MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 1 – “Contrary Moon”
by D.J. Sylvis
SEASON INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the final season of Moonbase Theta, Out. Before we begin, we have some special people to thank. To Beka B, and Sarah Müller, our executive producers; and to our associate producers: Timothy LaGrone, Marilyn Reid, Marissa Robertcop, Linda Boyer, Marty Chodorek, and June Madeley. To everyone who supported us on Seed and Spark, and all of our backers on Patreon. To everyone who has left us a kind review, or told us through email or twitter how much you’ve enjoyed our show. And to you, for listening. Thank you. To the moon and back. And now… on with the show.
ANNOUNCER
Moonbase Theta, Out – a Monkeyman Productions Podcast. Season 4, Episode 1 – “Contrary Moon”
Please see the show notes for content warnings related to this episode. (Note – content warning is for references to physical injury and medical response; emotional distress)
INTRO
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
ANNOUNCER
And we’re back. Before we end tonight’s broadcast, we’ve got Barnett Bell with a little Where Are They Now report, talking about the Combined Corporate Moonbase Project. If you’ve forgotten what that was, who can blame you? It’s almost a year now since the last of those Bases were shut down and the crews brought safely back to Earth.
BARNETT BELL
That’s not actually …
ANNOUNCER
I’m sorry?
BARNETT BELL
That’s not actually the case.
ANNOUNCER
(forced laugh)
Well, you’ve been to the Moon, I guess you’d know!
BARNETT BELL
(jumping right in, serious)
The Combined Corporate Moonbase Project. Once a shining hope in our skies – but now, one year after the shutdowns, a reminder of lost hopes and unfinished business on our only natural satellite.
(brief pause)
Unfinished because, despite rumours to the contrary, the shutdowns do not appear to have gone smoothly. This is a story of resources squandered, corporations locked in conflict, and Moonbase crews left in stasis, awaiting retrieval to this very day.
ANNOUNCER
(genuinely shocked)
That can’t be right? They’re not still –
BARNETT BELL
It was protests by the families of personnel left behind that exposed this last oversight; the only response from the megas in charge has been that fuel shortages resulted in a delay in crew retrieval. A strange explanation, considering how much fuel has been generated on the Moon itself.
ANNOUNCER
Umm, Barnett? Barnett?
BARNETT
(overlapping)
There has been no further official response, and with more recent shakedowns it’s uncertain who is even taking responsibility at this point.
ANNOUNCER
Barnett?
BARNETT BELL
(similarly, pushing on)
However, my investigations have revealed an interesting possibility –
ANNOUNCER
(louder, breaking in fast)
Barnett, thanks for that illuminating report.
BARNETT BELL
Wait, hold on –
ANNOUNCER
We’re out of time, but you’ll hear more from Mx. Bell and the rest of the Planetwide Media team again tomorrow. Good night, and good news.
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Background – Kitchen (no music)
WILDER
Okay, and the next thing is – please, could you not play with th’ kitchenware. Jaxon was kind enough to let us meet in here on very short notice despite –
JAXON
Careful – the oven, I’m baking for tomorrow.
WILDER
Right. Sorry. Now –
JAXON
And put the chairs back when you’re done?
DR. JUST
Of course. Our apologies, Jaxon.
DR. SERANO
Why are we in the kitchen instead of one of the labs? I thought this was a Science Base now, isn’t that what you’ve been lecturing us about for the last few months?
WILDER
That’s a point, that’s on th’ agenda. Jaxon, I’ll let you step up and –
DR. SERANO
I thought we’d be welcoming our colleagues from the near side bases by this time. Though I’m not necessarily complaining, I’ve read some of their … publications.
(The next dialogue overlaps until Wilder’s arm revs up.)
DR. JUST
That’s not fair, Jules. When I shared Andie’s last précis, you were quite complimentary.
DR. SEMAAN
Lab Two is almost ready, the tunnel lining is set and we’re holding pressure. We should be able to move in before long. And … everyone knows why we can’t use Lab One.
DR. JUST
It is safe to work in there with environmental suits. Of … which we have three.
DR. RINGLING
I’m working on the decontamination.
DR. SEMAAN
Nobody’s blaming you, Kris.
DR. SERANO
It was their experiment.
DR. RINGLING
(as Dr. Raptor)
And it was your hedgehogs that couldn’t stay in their enclosure –
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revving up, a fist hitting the counter
WILDER
All right, dammit! Jaxon, I am sorry about your counter. I’ll fix that.
(after a moment of silence)
Since y’all asked so nicely, everything’s advancing in regards to th’ master plan – Freehold Moon, MEEP, whatever we’re callin’ it these days. It’s taken some time to get our own Base in order, what with the cleanup and diggin’ deeper and startin’ to wake a few more people while avoiding the dicey ones … you know what I’m sayin’. Specialization, cooperation, communication – it’s all gonna come together.
DR. JUST
That is fair, Wilder, but we expected things to … come together … more quickly than they have. No criticism on this Base – but Michell and Zhong have been on the near side for three months now, we’ve shared all of our progress and information –
DR. SEMAAN
And all we’ve got from them so far are excuses! Sorry, Doctor J.
DR. JUST
As Amal says.
TUMNUS
Delays have been reported from Base Gamma, particularly in their revival schedule. But there are also additional challenges. Roger had quite a time getting started here – even with my assistance.
DR. SERANO
But it’s not as if they had to reinvent the process.
TUMNUS
I should also note that Officer L’Anglois –
JAXON
Officer?
DR. SEMAAN
I thought Michell wasn’t using –
TUMNUS
Officer Maria L’Anglois. She has expressed serious concerns –
WILDER
(admiringly)
In language that would make th’ mining crew blush –
TUMNUS
As to a number of security risks that she sees in the Plan.
DR. SEMAAN
She’d know about Security risks!
TUMNUS
We’re asking a lot of her.
DR. RINGLING
(pained)
And there … was … a security risk. Here. One of us.
WILDER
Shit, yeah.
SOUND: Oven timer, Jaxon getting a baking tray out
JAXON
(singing, contemplative)
Work to be done, work to be done …
(speaking, more certain)
Tumnus, you think we should keep going … the way things are.
TUMNUS
I think they deserve more time.
JAXON
Wilder?
WILDER
Aww, I don’t know. When Michell headed out, I was about fifty percent sure he just wanted to watch th’ world burn, but he’s kept reportin’ back in and doin’ his part. I don’t know his sister, other than her gift for profanity, but … who else have we got right now? We got to give them a chance.
JAXON
(almost crooning, echoing her)
We’ve got … to give them a chance.
(after a moment)
For now, we stick to the Plan. When we’re ready, really ready, hopefully they’re ready too.
WILDER
Whatever you say, boss. You’re gonna be in charge of keepin’ things goin’ soon enough.
TUMNUS
Wilder. Not this again.
DR. SERANO
Not what? What else haven’t you told us?
WILDER
Goddamn it, I’ve told you everything, you …
(taking a breath)
I’ve been bringin’ this up for a while now. Our power levels dip every time we switch off to the polar arrays, and I’m pretty sure that’s because no one’s been up there doin’ maintenance since … who knows when, before the shutdown. That wasn’t a big deal when we were th’ last base, but now … somebody’s got to check the wirin’ and fix a bunch of busted panels. And that somebody is me.
TUMNUS
It doesn’t have to be you.
WILDER
It does if things are gonna get done right.
TUMNUS
Moonbase Gamma has the repair crew –
WILDER
And we all decided we’re givin’ them more time.
DR. SEMAAN
We all decided?
WILDER
You know what I mean. They need time … but we all need power.
DR. RINGLING
What about Base Zeta?
WILDER
Apparently, that’s wayyyy down the list. Th’ North Pole is closer … plus, maybe I’ll get to meet the Moon’s Santa Claus!
TUMNUS
Wilder.
JAXON
Couldn’t we, umm, wake up another … Maintenance …
SOUND: Wilder’s arm cycles decisively
WILDER
I came here for a good time and I’m feelin’ so attacked right now! This is what I’m doin’, none of you have the authority to shut me down, so let’s move on. Tumnus? What’s next on the agenda?
TUMNUS
Well, to follow up on Jaxon’s suggestion –
WILDER
What did I just say?
TUMNUS
The next item to discuss is more crew revivals. When they’re … ready on the other side, we need to be ready for crew redistribution. Our mining crew, including Supervisor Pafnuty, are scheduled to move to the near-side bases, Medic Chin will be assigned to Base Delta … and at the same time, we need to make space for additional science crew from Bases Epsilon, Delta –
DR. JUST
And Moonbase Gamma –
DR. SERANO
Yes, Edwin. No one is forgetting your protégé.
JAXON
I’ve got … one more name to add for revival. McVett. Harold McVett.
SOUND: Some whispers in the back of the room
DR. SEMAAN
All right!
WILDER
For real now?
JAXON
I need someone with more, umm, expertise – in crop growth. There’s so much more information in the files that Addie brought up, Elena’s files, and I’ve got notes from Ashwini – Doctor Ray … it’s all too, too too too … we can make it happen, but we need … him.
TUMNUS
I’ve consulted with Medic Pacey; I believe we can treat the Agriculturalist’s previous respiratory distress using the nanobots, as we did with Wilder. And we are now, for … Alexandre Bragado-Fischer.
WILDER
Yeah. That’s … added to the list.
(after a pause)
Someone ought to go check on Roger, after this. Catch him up on things.
(there’s another long pause)
SOUND: People shifting, murmuring a bit, uncertain
DR. RINGLING
Is there … anything else?
WILDER
Sorry?
DR. JUST
(apologetic)
We do have two labs to recommission.
WILDER
(sighs)
Yeah. We’ve all got stuff. I guess we’re done.
SOUND: Chairs sliding out, a cough or some muttering
WILDER
Remember folks, we stick to the Plan.
SOUND: More shuffling, footsteps as people file out
DR. JUST
(in the background)
Thank you, Wilder.
JAXON
(similarly)
Put the chairs back!
DR. SERANO
(similarly)
Edwin, come on. We need to get to those suits.
WILDER
(after the noise has settled down)
We … stick to the plan. That’s everything we’ve got.
SOUND: A small ding in the background
JAXON
And muffins.
SOUND: Footsteps, oven opening and closing
JAXON
(singing to himself)
Rhubarb and cinnamon, rhubarb and cinnamon …
WILDER
Tumnus, there’s nothin’ new we can pick up from Earth?
TUMNUS
Nothing we didn’t already know. No one seems to be talking about the Moon.
WILDER
And we still can’t talk back, dammit.
TUMNUS
Technically, we could send a line-of-sight signal from the near side bases … but the only facilities that could receive from this distance are all owned by a corporation.
WILDER
And we’re nowhere near ready for a call like that.
JAXON
We, umm … will need to get ourselves ready.
WILDER
Don’t I know it, pal.
(after a moment)
But not tonight. Urrrrgh.
(she stretches)
SOUND: Chair being pushed back, Wilder standing up
SOUND: Wilder’s arm cycling
WILDER
That’s right, Eliza. We’re off the clock. Jaxon, did I hear you say rhubarb?
SOUND: Kitchen background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
ANNOUNCER
Our program is brought to you by Planetwide Media – broadcasting everywhere on Earth and across the Moon! Our “Spotlight Sponsor” for this episode is Skylark Orthopedics. Skylark – Our prosthetics are a hundred times better. And have lasers! (Lasers may be metaphorical.)
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Gym background (standard room tone, a/c)
SOUND: Treadmill running, Michell grunting a bit as he runs
(For the first few moments, we just hear Michell exercising.)
SOUND: Footsteps approaching
MARIA
I wondered when I’d see you down here. You haven’t kept up with your training.
MICHELL
(in gasps as he continues to run)
Things have been … a little bit … busy.
MARIA
You read the stuff your folks sent over. You’ve got to keep up on muscle mass. Supplements, exercise, you know the drill.
MICHELL
I know … the drill. I’m … here.
MARIA
You’ll be down here every night, or I’ll know the reason why.
MICHELL
(after a moment)
Sure.
MARIA
What do you mean, “Sure?”
MICHELL
What?
(catching his breath again, still running)
I said sure.
MARIA
I know what you mean with that sure. I’ve known you all your life, baby bro.
MICHELL
What are … you talking about?
MARIA
“You’re gonna clean this up before they get home?” “Sure.” “Don’t let them check the license code, I had to fake it.” “Sure.” “When I cook, you do the dishes?” “Sure.”
MICHELL
I just … said sure. Can we let this –
MARIA
Tu ne m’auras pas! (You can’t fool me.)
SOUND: We hear her hand slap down on the controls
SOUND: A sudden buzzing sound
SOUND: The treadmill stops immediately
MICHELL
Augh!
SOUND: Losing his balance and falling
MICHELL
(groaning)
Bon sang, Maria …
MARIA
Get up, you’re okay. The weight bench is padded, you can rest your tender ass and work your lats at the same time.
MICHELL
Fine.
SOUND: Michell sitting down on the bench, still groaning
SOUND: Free weights shifting on the bar (sporadic as he lifts)
MARIA
“Sure.” I’ll give you sure.
MICHELL
(under his breath)
Baldur, give me patience.
MARIA
(pronunciation – “Ah-saht-true”)
You’re still on that Asatru bullshit?
MICHELL
(ignoring her, under his breath again)
Twelve … thirteen …
MARIA
Twelve. You didn’t extend the whole way, that rep doesn’t count.
MICHELL
Twelve … thirteen …
SOUND: Footsteps as Maria paces
MARIA
“Sure.” You can’t fool me, little bro. You’re an unencrypted file to your sis, always have been.
MICHELL
Look. I’m … doing my reps.
MARIA
Damn right you are. We’re gonna keep this all together. I read through their plan top to bottom, every goddamn paragraph, every medical report … I worked hard for this body. I fought my way out of stasis for this body. I paid good money for this body! We’re gonna do anything it takes to keep ourselves together.
SOUND: The weights crashing to the floor
MICHELL
Then pourquoi vous hésitez? (Why are you holding back?)
MARIA
De quoi tu parles ?(What are you talking about?)
MICHELL
You know what I’m talking about.
(standing up)
You read the plan. In every call you say, “We’ve got this, we’re almost there” with the plan. But I’m here and I see you dragging your heels! Okay, we had to fix the place up, deactivate all the traps you’d set up around the base –
MARIA
Can’t be too careful –
MICHELL
We had to clean out the vents because somebody stuffed them full of potatoes at some point –
MARIA
Forgot about those myself, could have used them when I was –
MICHELL
Zhong overhauled the Rovers, I had to pry McGurk off his microphone before I could even call back to Theta, and then we spend our time making excuses and going around about which Base is gonna get priority! I’m surprised Wilder hasn’t shown up at our airlock by now.
MARIA
Your buddies write good notes, but they don’t get strategy, they don’t understand that we’ve got to know who we can trust before that next step –
MICHELL
That’s not fair, they’ve taken your advice. Tumnus told me –
MARIA
Oh yeah, let’s talk about the security risks with an AI on your planning committee –
MICHELL
We don’t work for Security anymore! They’re the ones who left us here!
MARIA
I didn’t mean “Security” with a big S, I meant –
MICHELL
(shouting)
You’re a big S! You’re the biggest S on the Moon!
(This stops them. They both pause and then laugh together.)
SOUND: Sitting down again together
MARIA
All right, baby bro. You got me there.
MICHELL
If you don’t want to do this, I’ll talk to them. I’ll figure it out. But you have to tell me.
MARIA
I never said … Michell, I’m in. Hell, it’s the only game left to play.
MICHELL
Well then why –
MARIA
But I’m only playing as nice as I am because it’s you. I’m in this for you, not your pals on Theta. When this plan is done and dusted, I’ve still got some scores to settle.
MICHELL
Maria, listen. I wasn’t so great over there. They had reasons to –
MARIA
Hey. Maybe you weren’t a saint –
MICHELL
You don’t know. I did some really … J’ai été affreuse. (I was terrible.)
MARIA
It’s still you and me against the world. I’m not letting you down this time. I’m on your side.
MICHELL
So are they.
MARIA
If you say so.
MICHELL
So … we’re gonna start waking more people up?
MARIA
I let you wake people up! We woke up McGurk!
MICHELL
Oh right, your best friend McGurk.
MARIA
They said, “Communication is a priority!” He’s my comms guy.
MICHELL
Sure.
MARIA
I’m gonna give you such a noogie every time you say, “Sure.”
MICHELL
Yeah, you think?
SOUND: A little bit of a scuffle between them
SOUND: A bit of feedback as the PA system crackles to life
MCGURK
(over the speaker)
Sorry, did you need something down there?
MARIA
Nobody needs anything, McGurk. Well, my baby bro needs a brusin’, but that’s my business.
MICHELL
Ha.
MCGURK
I just thought I heard my name.
MARIA
You’re not supposed to have ears in the gym anyway!
MCGURK
Right. Uhh … bye now.
SOUND: A bit more feedback as he shuts down
MARIA
(after a minute – note, pronunciation is “Jong”)
We’ve got McGurk, Zhong woke up what’s-her-name on Beta … they’re out getting the other Bases ready with that setup your AI sent over –
MICHELL
She doesn’t like –
MARIA
We’re revving up our engines. You can tell Wilder that it’s all gonna get done.
MICHELL
They haven’t been pushing yet … too much.
MARIA
Ha. I’ve got a half-dozen unread memos from “Doctor Edwin Just”. I’m no big fan of Doc Kashyap, but I guess it gets her out of my hair.
MICHELL
Yeah.
(he laughs)
I’m imagining Roger, and Wilder … with a whole base full of Science Bros.
MARIA
It’s probably their best idea. The megas never took it far enough – I mean sure, Alpha had all the admins, Epsilon had the biggest gardens, Zeta had mining … but they all could have done a lot more. It’s good to specialize, it helps your crew to have a focus.
MICHELL
I don’t remember anyone saying. Do we know what Base Gamma is gonna be?
MARIA
There was something in the notes about getting our repair crew up and running. We’ll see; I’ve got my own idea to throw into the mix.
MICHELL
(nervous)
Oh … yeah?
MARIA
I think Base Gamma needs to be the War Room.
MICHELL
(after a beat)
Oh.
MARIA
Someone’s gonna notice we’re up and moving again before too long.
MICHELL
I guess so.
MARIA
And I don’t think they’ll be too happy.
(after a moment)
You with me?
MICHELL
Uhhhh –
SOUND: The intercom effect again, cutting him off
MCGURK
Maria, there’s a call in from Zhong. They’re at Base Delta, something weird about the crew names.
MARIA
Corporate bullshit, I’m sure. I’m coming.
SOUND: She stands up from the bench
MARIA
Finish your reps. I’ve got this.
SOUND: Footsteps (ongoing)
MICHELL
Sure.
MARIA
(across the room now)
I heard that! Just you wait … You’re with me, baby bro!
SOUND: Footsteps fade
MICHELL
… Sure.
(after a few moments)
Computer, record a message, my private encryption. It’s going to Tumnus, on Moonbase Theta.
(after a pause)
First, tell Wilder things are okay with Maria. We had a big talk, we’re gonna start the revivals – she’s all in.
(brief pause)
Umm … I found a server and installed the code you sent me with. I think there’s something wrong with it? The install looked okay, it started running and the camera clicked on and off again, but then the screen went all wavy and crashed, then it rebooted and the same thing happened, then it booted up again and the same … after a few more repetitions, I cut the power. Do you have any idea what’s going wrong?
(he sighs)
Don’t mention it to Maria, not yet. She’s not gonna be a fan.
(another brief pause, tentative; fading at the end of this line)
How’s … he been doing? Don’t ask, don’t mention me … just, if you know something.
SOUND: Gym background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Stasis pods background (ongoing)
SOUND: The glass cover to one pod rattling slightly, as previously when Roger touched it
(We hear Roger sigh deeply.)
SOUND: Medic Pacey’s braces as ze walks in and across the room to him, a long cross without any interruption
MEDIC PACEY
You know you don’t have to stay here. Those nanobots will know if anything changes before Alex does.
SOUND: Pacey’s braces as ze moves around the pod
MEDIC PACEY
(as much for Roger as anything)
Vitals are stable, he’s holding in medical stasis. Blood pressure is normal for current body temperature.
(brief pause)
Cardiac reconstruction has advanced in both ventricular cavities. It’s going slowly, but that’s as expected. They’re breaking down some serious scar tissue.
SOUND: A few beeps as ze checks the monitoring system
MEDIC PACEY
The nanobots tasked to his other functions – blood chemistry, muscular stimulation, cell hydration – they’re all on-task. He’s got the best chance possible.
(ze pauses for a moment, then sighs)
Probably better than you if you don’t spend more time in your own bed. And then sitting with me to talk some of this out. You’ve missed your last three appointments.
SOUND: Pacey’s braces as ze takes another step toward Roger
MEDIC PACEY
We’re taking care of Alex. You’ve got to take care of Alex’s husband.
(There is a long, strained silence.)
ROGER
(almost to himself)
He came here for me. All of this … everything that happened … it’s me.
(shakier)
He was happy before. He had his job and the girls and his garden. He had … so much.
MEDIC PACEY
I’m guessing it wasn’t enough – without you.
(trying to joke)
Gods only know the reason why.
(after a bit with no response)
I’ve got to get back to the infirmary. Walk with me?
ROGER
No. Not yet.
MEDIC PACEY
Don’t make me send Wilder. Take care, Roger.
SOUND: Pacey’s braces as ze walks away, fading as ze leaves the room
ROGER
(almost inaudible)
I am … taking care.
SOUND: Roger sitting back in his chair
SOUND: A book opening, pages turning
ROGER
We were at … Cecília Meireles. In translation, because … you know what my Portuguese does to poetry.
(he reads the poem “Contrary Moon,” as translated by Natalie d’Arbeloff)
I have phases, like the moon.
Phases to hide myself,
phases to walk the street…
Perdition!
Perdition!
I have phases of being yours,
and others of being solitary.
Phases which come and go,
in the secret calendar
invented for me
by an arbitrary astrologer.
And melancholy goes round and round
its interminable time-table!
(Reading this last stanza as if each line were a message directly to his husband.)
I don’t connect with anyone
(I have phases like the moon…)
A day that someone is mine
is not the day that I am theirs…
And, when that day does arrive,
the other has disappeared.
(There is a long pause before the scene ends.)
SOUND: Stasis pods background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Danyelle Ellett, Evan Tess Murray, Leeman Kessler, Cole Burkhardt, Jen Ponton, Tina Daniels, David S. Dear, Hazel Stapp, Dallas Wheatley, Cass McPhee, Cat Blackard, Shereen Lani Younes, and Teddy Hannah-Drullard.
Written by D.J. Sylvis; Cass McPhee is our audio engineer. Our theme music is “Star” by the band Ramp; our cover art is by Peter Chiykowski.
Looking for more great audio fiction? Check out The Tower, an experimental audio drama podcast series about friendship, identity, an individual’s place in the world and our relationship with our past.
Our Executive Producers are Sarah Müller and Beka B, and our associate producers are Marty Chodorek, June Madeley , Timothy LaGrone, Marilyn Reid, Marissa Robertcop and Linda Boyer.
Thank you guys so much for your support, and helping and trusting us to bring this story to life. We love what we’ve done with it and we can’t wait for you guys to hear all the work the cast and crew has put in, and we hope you love it as much as we do.
And speaking of your support: everything helps, from leaving us a great review and subscribing on your podcast app of choice to sharing your feelings with us on Twitter and telling your friends about our show. For behind the scenes updates and early access to every episode, we would love to have you join us on Patreon. Visit us at MonkeymanProductions.com to learn more (and to visit our store if you need an En-Soy-Ment sticker or a T-Shirt featuring your favourite doggos!). But beyond all of that, we are so glad that you’re listening and sharing in this story with us. Thak you. And, as always, keep watching the moon.
