MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 3 – “Find The Loopholes”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
Moonbase Theta, Out – a Monkeyman Productions Podcast. Season 4, Episode 3 – “Find The Loopholes”
INTRO
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
ANNOUNCER
That announcement from the Consortium’s Science Wing is scheduled for next week.
(just a little bit unsure passing things over)
Now it’s … over to Barnett Bell, with an update on the great reconstruction. Barnett?
BARNETT BELL
(enjoying these details just a bit more than is professional)
Thank you. It’s been six months now since the events known as Zero Day, a coordinated series of attacks on almost every major corporation. This offensive included technical shutdowns, denials of service, labour walkouts, and blatant acts of sabotage within the largest Enclaves and the NYC Supercity; as well as clashes from outside the walls with underground “Freehold” forces. The conflict has resulted in weeks, and in some cases months, of heightened Security to eliminate ongoing threats. Several of the megas are already reporting a full quarter of losses.
(brief pause, a bit more serious now)
The process of rebuilding has been an additional challenge. Efforts to return to fiscal stability while continuing to fund Security investigations, as well as repairs to key corporate properties and utilities, have only been made possible by significant reductions in consumer supplies and services. These reductions have all been tagged as temporary changes; however, there may be deeper effects on overall morale.
(brief pause)
We’ll be back with a further look at the reconstruction after these messages.
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(This is a virtual ‘meeting’ between the Bases, we’re listening to the full conversation as if we’re within Michell’s headset, so all the voices sound a bit flat and filtered.)
TUMNUS
There’s room for each of them in our expanded laboratory space. Doctor Ray asked that I confirm –
MARIA
I’d rather we work our way down through the Bases –
MICHELL
They’re all confirmed, they’re revived, they should be on the transport headed your way. Val?
VAL
Right. Everything is on schedule – this is the revised schedule I sent out yesterday. They’ve just picked up a “Doctor Boisseau” on Base Delta – Keegan, that wasn’t one of the names that was incorrect?
KEEGAN
No, Boisseau is right. And it’s not the names that were the problem –
VAL
Doctor Boisseau was the final transfer, so assuming they left on time, at this point the transport should be two-fifths of the way to Base Theta.
TUMNUS
If you could send us the tracking signal? And then there’s the list for the next trip, in particular –
MARIA
We all know your, “in particular!”
MICHELL
(quickly, apologetic)
Doctor Kashyap is being revived tomorrow.
MCGURK
And you’re welcome to them! Am I right, L’Anglois?
MICHELL
I don’t think that’s –
MCGURK
My L’Anglois.
MARIA
Right. Yeah. All right, let’s go back to the top of the order, folks. When I call out your base, speak up. Until then, shut it. All right … Alpha? Alpha?
MICHELL
(after a moment, whispering)
Maria … you said no to Alpha.
MARIA
You’re damn right I did, that was a test. Stay away from there, unless you want the megas on your tail.
VAL
I knew a few of the admins back in the day. You have no idea how many people had to sign off on the museum!
MARIA
Alpha is out of bounds.
KEEGAN
I don’t really get why you’re the one deciding that?
VAL
That’s a point. All we know about you is that you worked for the Consortium.
MICHELL
We were all with the corporations. That’s how we got here.
KEEGAN
There’s a difference between signing up because it’s the only way to work on the Moon, and being a part of Security.
MARIA
What’s your problem with Security?
KEEGAN
(sarcastic laugh, ready for a fight)
Where do I even start?
VAL
We all understand that Base Gamma is the furthest along on this plan, and a plan is a good thing to have!
KEEGAN
I’d like to take my own look at that plan, to be honest.
MARIA
Hey, if any of you wants to keep things moving on the near side, step up!
VAL
(behind her lines)
If you need help –
MARIA
I’ll go take that long nap I’ve been putting off. McGurk?
MCGURK
Want me to shut them all down?
MICHELL
Hang on! McGurk, hang on.
MCGURK
You’re not the boss of me.
MARIA
(sighs)
Hang on.
MICHELL
Look, you’ve all got to give things time. I know how it feels – you’re yanked out of stasis and thrown into the middle of a revolution before there’s even a minute to think –
KEEGAN
The revolution is not the problem here –
MICHELL
(overlapping)
– and you’re still putting yourself back together but there’s this foutou loudmouth in your ear all the time –
MARIA
(in the background while Michell keeps going)
McGurk, I think he’s talking to you.
MCGURK
Hey!
MICHELL
– there’s not much food and the power keeps cutting out and you’ve got big questions, maybe you’re wondering if any of this is a good idea, if you made good choices – not that you really had a choice. But you’ve got to give it all some time.
KEEGAN
(after a moment)
None of that has to do with –
MICHELL
(jumping in again, anxious)
We were just starting to figure things out over on Theta, I know I haven’t talked about that much –
VAL
Oh, Zhong’s told us all about it!
MICHELL
He did what?
KEEGAN
The shutdown, your comms officer staying awake – he sure sounds like a lot – and figuring out how to bring folks out of stasis.
VAL
And then the … accident, or sabotage, what that scientist did
MICHELL
Zhong’s a lot more talkative than I thought he was.
MARIA
So if you know about all of that stuff, then you ought to understand why there’s still a need for –
(stopping herself, a bit more diplomatically)
Why we don’t want to make the same mistakes. Obviously, Base Theta is a huge mess.
TUMNUS
I don’t think that’s fair.
MARIA
But the plan is good. The plan is solid. Like Michell says, you’ve got to give it more time. We’ll sort it all out together. My baby bro came to me first because, I mean, handling unruly bastards – potentially unruly bastards, we didn’t know yet who to trust – it’s what I do. So while we sorted that out, I’ve just been easing people in. The reason we’re on this call is so everyone gets a chance to talk.
(no response)
So let’s keep going. Alpha’s out … we’ve got someone on Beta, right?
VAL
Moonbase Beta, I think that would be –
ZHONG
I’m here! We’re here. I was waiting for Ursula.
SOUND: A distant clanking noise in the background of his side of the call
URSULA
(in the background as well)
That’s right, things are fine and dandy on Base Beta! No worries, nothing to fear, nothing to –
(her voice cuts off)
MARIA
(after a moment)
Hello? Beta? McGurk? Dammit, I think we lost them. I thought comms were fixed –
ZHONG
Comms is all okay! The repairs were good, they’re holding, they’re …
URSULA
(fully on the call now)
Sorry about that, completely my fault, I was giving the console a bit of a polish. Those knobs and buttons can get a bit grimy, but it’s hard to get in the crevices without bumping a switch or two – anyway, don’t blame my good buddy Zhong!
MARIA
(exasperated)
Is there anything to report from your base?
ZHONG
Nothing new here so far, no new revivals. We’ve been busy cleaning.
MICHELL
Cleaning?
URSULA
Well, it needs done, doesn’t it? No one thought we’d wake up on Base again, they all kicked a mess or two under their bunks. And this plan everyone’s going on about, that sounds like lots of bits that could start leaking, or get a bit sticky. Preventative measures are in order! No excuse for –
SOUND: In the background, we hear clanking robot noises, and perhaps a beep
WEEBLE
(background)
Crew member! Alert! Sanitation unit error!
URSULA
(away from mic now)
Again? In which sanitation unit?
WEEBLE
Error in all sanitation units!
URSULA
I’ll be back. Zhong, you’ve got this, buddy!
SOUND: The robot noises move away
WEEBLE
(in the distance, off mic)
Decontaminate!
VAL
Was that the cleaning bot they sent to Beta? Administrator Balfour was so upset we didn’t get that one.
ZHONG
Wilder wouldn’t let us have one.
VAL
But we had all these delivery bots anyway, I don’t think –
MARIA
Can you two chit chat later? All right, Beta’s done, and I think I’ve talked enough about Gamma –
KEEGAN
Have you?
MARIA
(overlapping, annoyed)
That brings us over to Moonbase Delta and Medic Keegan. You’ve obviously got some opinions there, I’d hope you’ve made some progress too?
MICHELL
Okay, we’re all friends here …
KEEGAN
If you knew anything about my base, you’d be …
(they take a moment to calm down)
Moonbase Delta … is progressing. Doctor Boisseau has been reassigned to Base Theta. I’m preparing to expand my facilities to allow for additional medical personnel, and I’ve been comparing notes with Medic Pacey from Base Theta – we want to determine best health practices for all new revivals.
TUMNUS
Oh, ze has more documents for you. I’ll … send them later.
KEEGAN
So that’s all moving along.
(brief pause)
I also wanted to make a request. If that’s okay. There’s a lot about what … happened here, that doesn’t convey well over wires. Could I get someone over to our Base in person?
MARIA
Zhong’s been there.
KEEGAN
Obviously, but I was a bit … just recovering from stasis then.
(hoping for Michell)
I was hoping you’d come yourself, or maybe … Michell?
MARIA
Didn’t we just talk about how much is on my plate?
MICHELL
I … could go. If you want.
MARIA
We’ll talk about it. At least that’s someone with Security training.
KEEGAN
I didn’t say anything about Security –
MICHELL
Maybe we could all just stop using that word. For a little while?
MARIA
Sure, baby bro. Okay, we’ll sort that out. Next up, Val?
VAL
Oh, right!
SOUND: We hear a few beeps from her side as she opens up files
VAL
Moonbase Epsilon. Revivals – I mentioned that both our science crew are on the transport to Base Theta; next to wake up is our main Agriculturalist, Nalo Toussaint, so we can begin to renew our farming facilities. Ongoing projects … you should all have a copy of my updated surplus inventory; if you could use the requisition forms attached I’m happy to coordinate with Zhong for distribution.
(brief pause)
I’m starting to put together a report on those secondary supply stashes, hopefully we can –
ZHONG
What supply stashes?
KEEGAN
First I’ve heard of this.
VAL
I discussed it with Officer L’Anglois when I was first revived –
KEEGAN
And of course, no one else gets to know. Wait, none of that’s En-Soy-Ment, is it?
MARIA
(overlapping)
We had a discussion, that’s all. There’s nothing to tell until we know the locations.
VAL
I’m still compiling my notes. I’ve been searching old records; there’s actually a map we had in the museum that might have a few hints. It was all kept very hush hush.
(after a moment)
It’s a lot to send over the network. Hey, if Michell is coming this way anyway …
KEEGAN
Maybe he could give me a lift over, I’d like to see that too.
TUMNUS
I might be able to help with the data transmission.
ZHONG
When I’m back from Zeta, I’ll try to get more of the Rovers working so people can –
MARIA
(overlap a little; with a laugh that’s just a bit nervous)
Okay, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. That’s a lot of … really good ideas, for sure, and we’ll figure them all out. Together. But right now, let’s deal with shit as it stands and get through this call.
(brief pause)
Okay, so that’s Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon … Zeta’s coming soon …
ZHONG
Not too soon, there’s a lot of comms towers along the way –
MARIA
(starting to lose patience)
But soon, right? I just said soon. So Zeta, Eta … I’m gonna level with you, we’re not sending anyone to Eta right now, same reason as Alpha. Eta was the comms hub, if anyone planted spies, agents, Securi … risks … that’s where it’s gonna be. So that’s on hold. I’ve got McGurk looking into things.
MCGURK
On top of it, boss. I’m still working on that satellite thing, too.
TUMNUS
Roger’s on that from our side, as well.
MCGURK
That knob?
TUMNUS
I don’t think I like you.
MARIA
All right, enough, we’re done, right? I think we’re done. Since we started with Base Theta – you don’t have anything else from your side?
TUMNUS
I don’t believe so.
MARIA
And please let whoever’s in charge there know – I’d appreciate a real person next time.
MICHELL
Maria!
MARIA
We’ll do this again soon or whatever. Gamma out.
SOUND: A tone to indicate the disconnect (repeat after each of the next three lines)
VAL
Take care, everyone! Epsilon out.
KEEGAN
(sighs)
Yeah. Out.
ZHONG
Umm … Beta, signing off.
(For a long moment, there is silence.)
MICHELL
Tumnus?
TUMNUS
I am here.
MICHELL
The line should be secure now. We’d better do this quick.
TUMNUS
I’m not sure how to feel about your sister.
MICHELL
I get that a lot. But she’s … still my sister, you know?
TUMNUS
I don’t know, really.
MICHELL
So I thought I did everything right. I copied the whole folder, I watched it all install and I thought it was … here, I’ll link you in.
TUMNUS
Okay … you did everything correctly, it wasn’t … it does looks like it’s up and running, but there’s no response to any stimuli or input.
MICHELL
Should we wipe it and start again?
TUMNUS
(shocked)
No! Oh, no. No, Michell. It still might have … I don’t know for sure, but if there’s even a chance … no.
MICHELL
Okay. I’ll leave that to you. Just be careful … I know Maria and McGurk are keeping a close eye on network traffic.
TUMNUS
I’ll just take the logs and examine them. If necessary, I can ask here for … a little help.
MICHELL
Should I still plan to go around and … on the other bases?
TUMNUS
This tour – it might be our only chance before things … hopefully I can figure it out before you go.
MICHELL
Okay. I’ll wait to hear from you.
TUMNUS
(after a brief pause)
Michell?
MICHELL
Yeah?
TUMNUS
Roger says hello.
SOUND: The disconnect tone one more time
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
ANNOUNCER
Our program is brought to you by Planetwide Media – broadcasting everywhere on Earth and across the Moon! This broadcast’s “Spotlight Sponsor” is Jensen Equine – providing classic conveyance to the point zero zero one percent. If wishes were horses … everyone would ride!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Outer office background
SOUND: Doorknob rattling
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Dammit, what’s the code again …
SOUND: Security keypad, numbers being pressed
SOUND: Door unlocked
SOUND: Crossfade from outer office background to inner office background
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Darlin’, there’s got to be something we can do about –
SOUND: Someone standing up, chair sliding back
RECEPTION BOT
Good morning. Slipstream is inside your office.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
So I see. You … know that I’m inside my office too, right?
RECEPTION BOT
Slipstream is inside your office.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
It’s gonna be that type of day.
SOUND: An automated coffeemaker
RECEPTION BOT
Coffee, Brazilian, double cream, double sugar.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
That’s something, at least. You can sit back down. You, I’m not talking to the Bot.
SLIPSTREAM
Okay.
SOUND: Both of them sitting down on opposite sides of the desk
SOUND: EO sipping coffee
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You want something? I’ve got that brain juice all you folks like to drink.
SLIPSTREAM
I don’t really – I’m allergic to taurine.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Whatever that is. When I was a kid, I played this MMO, I think one of the character types was Taurine.
SOUND: Another long sip
ENCLAVE OFFICER
How did you get into my office?
SLIPSTREAM
There’s nowhere to sit down in the hallway and your guards were staring so I just kinda …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I understand the comfort and the privacy afforded by my office. I appreciate it myself. But I asked how you got inside.
SLIPSTREAM
I just kinda – I just sat down, I didn’t touch anything –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Not my question. And I’m already looking at a report from my Bot – thank you for that, darlin’, security mode off –
RECEPTION BOT
(in the background)
Security mode deactivated.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
So I know just what you’ve touched.
SLIPSTREAM
It’s just a paperweight.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
It’s a commemorative replica of the Estácio de Sá Monument, a … memento of my previous employment. Be careful with it next time, you could have put an eye out. And regardless … not how you got into my office.
SLIPSTREAM
Look, I installed the system, I set you up as a user. I’ve got to have access.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Of course. You’ve got … admin privileges.
SLIPSTREAM
That’s my job.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
But doesn’t someone also need to have administrative privilege over you? Who Watches the Watchers, and all that?
SLIPSTREAM
I’m not sure that’s what that means.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Regardless, before we continue, I’ll need you to sign over access to my assistant here.
SLIPSTREAM
You mean the Bot?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I do.
SLIPSTREAM
That doesn’t even make sense. And I can’t make that decision anyway, I don’t know how many times I have to tell you we operate as a collective –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I understand that it’s useful to keep that structure. But you and I moved past that weeks ago. Didn’t we?
(after a moment)
The keyboard beside you.
SLIPSTREAM
This is not gonna make you look better on the intra.
SOUND: Rapid typing on a keyboard
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You and your friends want “all access,” you want to open everything and violate the warranties; overclock and supercool and tinker with the settings. But some things you just have to accept.
SOUND: The Reception Bot makes a series of tones
RECEPTION BOT
Administrative protocols under my control have been updated.
SLIPSTREAM
You know, I can get you a better robot. This one isn’t even quantum.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I’m more than satisfied with my technology. And you’ve got other things to focus on. How are things in there among the collective? All our little projects advancing, are my worker bees humming along?
SLIPSTREAM
It’s all … things are okay. We’ve got teams together. Ten Twenty Four is digging into those NYC and Green servers, looking to plant a few daemons; Breaker has got a cryptocash team hitting the banks; there’s been some progress on those vehicle hacks, though … it’s hard to sell a plot against the Ryders.
SOUND: EO sipping coffee
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Good, good.
SLIPSTREAM
We’ve got Frob and our comms folks on the satellite thing, and set up some spiders watching all the feeds for anything on the Freeholds … but that’s not playing so great either.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I don’t have anything against the Freeholds; they were extremely useful. I just like to know what pieces are on the board as the game continues. You lost a few here, I know some of them made it to Africa … which you haven’t mentioned yet.
SLIPSTREAM
We’re trying. They’re not easy to find, on or offline.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I might have to send someone in more directly. But keep trying, and keep a … spider out, I like that, keep a spider on watch for anything about Monica Parker too.
(brief pause)
But what are you really doing here?
SLIPSTREAM
Huh?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(aside)
This is getting lukewarm, could you do your magic for me?
SOUND: Mug being set down
RECEPTION BOT
Heating cycle activated.
SOUND: In the background, a bit of heating-element beneath the mug
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(overlapping the Bot and effects)
What are you here for? Everything you said is in your memos, yes I keep up on them. There’s got to be something else. As much as I enjoy your company, I like to keep my cards stacked and active throughout the game.
SLIPSTREAM
That doesn’t really … I’m just … you’re really hard to follow, you know that?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(amused)
I’ve heard that before.
SOUND: Chair pushed back as they stand again
SLIPSTREAM
That’s the problem – that’s why I’m here. You’re really hard to follow! Your messages, your task lists – nobody can figure out the logic. After you moved in here, we had a big meeting. You’ve got to regroup after a major project like the rocket launch … you start over, you reconfigure, you set up teams in a way that points you toward the next big thing. We’ve tried to do that, we set up teams for every task as you assigned them … but there’s no instruction set. We don’t know what any of it is for! We tried to reverse engineer things and figure it out, but …
SOUND: There is a quiet tone
RECEPTION BOT
Heating cycle complete.
SLIPSTREAM
I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to here, I’ve kept them together. Nobody’s making food so we’re all on those soy bricks you brought us, working night and day … but what are we working for? Without a clear goal … you said you were here to give us purpose, but I gotta … we gotta know what that is, or …
SOUND: Falling back into the chair
SOUND: After a moment, EO sipping his coffee
ENCLAVE OFFICER
See, this is why I put you in your position. This is the type of feedback I need.
(thoughtfully)
I put you into play but I never gave you the rules of the game, that’s on me.
SLIPSTREAM
(after a moment with no further information)
And?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Right, right. I mean, you know everything that brought me here. You know the backstory.
SLIPSTREAM
We all listened to that interview you did … with yourself.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I do like to talk.
SLIPSTREAM
So you did Zero Day, that’s kinda cool and kinda creepy, you get supervillain level plot points for that. But it all just seemed to happen and then you disappeared. Sure, we know you’re still here, things are happening, but … what’s the goal? What’s the endgame? Was it about revenge, or was it profit, or power? Are you trying to –
SOUND: They’re cut off by a hand hitting the surface of the desk
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You can stop there. I get what you’re saying.
SOUND: Slowly rising from his chair, setting down his coffee
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I never wanted to be a supervillain, though I do like the sound of it. I guess I do have a lair … and technically, minions.
SLIPSTREAM
Hey.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Maybe if there were actual heroes out there, I’d be more tempted. But I’m not fighting against the system. I’m not trying to tear things down.
SLIPSTREAM
It looked like it.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Sometimes, you have to chip away at the mountain to get a foothold. Dammit, I should have used that in the interview.
(brief pause)
I don’t want to destroy the system. That might disappoint you folks, but nobody likes a bad player who kicks the ball over a fence, says they’re going home. I want to become the system, take it over from the inside, bend the rules and live in the loopholes.
SLIPSTREAM
I think we might have to hold another meeting.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You’re at the start of something that hasn’t happened for generations. A new player has entered the game – this is the birth of a whole new megacorporation. That’s the goal. That’s where we’re headed.
SLIPSTREAM
Umm … you understand, that’s not really what we’re about.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I know that’s not where you started from. But after your … split, you folks sided with me for a reason. Maybe what you’re about is ready to change. Maybe you’re ready for a new endgame.
(brief pause)
Go ahead, have your meetings, see what everybody thinks. But you saw what happened to the “Patrick Free Zone.” There’s not much left for folks on the outside.
SOUND: Slipstream getting out of their chair
SLIPSTREAM
I’ll … I’ll go talk to them.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Make sure you do. Tell them that’s our sense of purpose. That’s what all their projects are for. Including the big one.
(brief pause)
Make sure they know they’re on the side that’s taking back the Moon.
SOUND: He picks up his mug again, and takes a sip
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Darlin’, could you get the door for Mx. Slipstream?
SOUND: A few beeps, and the office door opens
SOUND: After a moment, hurried footsteps heading out
RECEPTION BOT
Slipstream is no longer in your office.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(fading out on this line)
You don’t have to announce that. Now, tell me you were recording that speech I made there.
SOUND: Inner office background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Danyelle Ellett, Evan Tess Murray, Jen Ponton, Cass McPhee, Cat Blackard, Leeman Kessler, NayMyo Win, Beccy Stirrup, Anna Godfrey, Rissa Montañez, D.J. Sylvis, Robin Howell, and Glory Duda.
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? You need to listen to Deep Blue Stars, a sweet, deeply emotional, delightfully queer and geeky story.
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. Today’s shoutout is Kim Ahmad.
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. Thank you. And, as always, keep watching the moon.
