MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 5 – “A Bear Without A Head”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
Moonbase Theta, Out – a Monkeyman Productions Podcast. Season 4, Episode 5 – “A Bear Without A Head.” Please see the show notes for content warnings related to this episode.
Content Warning – Significant emotional distress (discussed and in action), overwhelming situations
INTRO
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
BARNETT BELL
(mid-broadcast)
The Xino-leak documents provide further background on the role the Freeholds played in the events surrounding Zero Day. Corporate enclaves on every continent suffered what can only be described as a coordinated attack from their closest Freehold settlements – and while damages from without were relatively slight, it is the organization behind them that remains the subject of investigation.
(brief pause)
The documents identify several key figures from within Consortium and Coalition Green leadership as potential instigators. Among them is Consortium officer David Julius Stephens, who was reported as missing from the Rio-Sao Paolo Enclave at the same time as the attacks. Security probes have been launched within multiple corporations – Stephen’s employment history winds through a number of entities, and includes a key role in the Northern Acquisition. It is also known that the officer had ties to the Ryders, and may be using those resources to evade detection.
(brief pause, a quick disclaimer)
In the interest of full disclosure, it is important to mention that the source behind the Xino-leak itself is also under investigation, and Planetwide Media has requested further confirmation.
(after a moment, falsely cheerful)
When we come back, it’s another installment of “My Time on the Moon,” where we look into Moonbase Alpha and the importance of paperweights in reduced gravity. But first, the following messages.
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Hallway background (ongoing)
SOUND: Slow footsteps (ongoing)
JAXON
(tired)
Task list – strike off, “Medical Data to Base Delta,” archive file from M. Pacey.
(sigh)
Now, I can bake. It’s past baking time.
(singing to himself)
Work to be done, work to be done … cinnamon bun, cinnamon bun …
SOUND: Faint kitchen sounds starting to blend in – mostly the sonic dishwasher running
JAXON
Cinnamon, cinnamon, cinnamon buns …
SOUND: Hallway background ends, footsteps end
SOUND: Kitchen background (ongoing) – no music, just the sonic dishwasher running, light A/C
SOUND: A spoon clinking against a mug
JAXON
Oh. Doctor Just.
DR. JUST
Sorry, I know this is when you reset the kitchen. I just really needed a cup of cocoa. The younger scientists have been a handful.
JAXON
Okay.
SOUND: Trays rattling, scraping out a bowl (on and off behind the dialogue for a bit); Dr. Just stirring his cocoa
JAXON
(under his breath)
Cinnamon buns, cinnamon buns …
DR. JUST
I can’t drink coffee at night; it’s hard enough to sleep right now as it is.
JAXON
Medic Pacey has offered to prescribe sleep aids for the crew.
DR. JUST
Ze’s been threatening to slip them into my porridge. There’s just so much to be concerned with right now; it feels like the minute you take your eyes off of things, it’ll all … well, you must know. You’re in charge of the full revolution!
JAXON
Not in charge. I’m facilitating; I’m the coordinator for MEEP.
(humming for a moment, an afterthought)
Nessa left me with the Plan.
DR. JUST
(not really listening, just needing to vent)
That’s how I feel. We’ve been left holding the bag. Wilder’s on a field trip, Ashwini shows up morning and night to intimidate the crew but who’s left monitoring the work that’s been done in between?
JAXON
Doctor Ringling is the Science Administrator –
DR. JUST
You’ve got that right. Kris is a mess, Jules is … always Jules, Doctor Semaan is never happier than when anarchy invades the lab.
SOUND: The dishwasher stops, Jaxon is unloading – dishes clinking, etc.
JAXON
(to himself, behind Dr. Just’s lines)
Work to be done, work to be done …
DR. JUST
We’re the ones left shouldering the load, my friend. There’s barely time to monitor my test subjects through the current molting – and you know how critical that is to the process.
JAXON
I’ve … read your papers. Maybe when Doctor Kashyap arrives –
DR. JUST
(groans)
I can’t even think about Andie becoming part of this right now. I have to get this place in some sort of order. I know we’re supposed to be this collective and we’re all responsible, but they look up to me. I’ve got my goddamn gravitas to maintain. You’re right, Jaxon. You’re right. I’ve got to pull myself together.
SOUND: Setting the mug down
DR. JUST
I’ve drunk all my cocoa.
JAXON
Collectivism is part of the problem. I’m not sure that most people see the scope of the …
SUPERVISOR ANDREEV
(distant, out in the hallway)
Jaxon! Jaxon? You in the kitchen, boyo?
DR. JUST
Oh, no.
JAXON
(stressed, singing to themselves)
Cinnamon buns, cinnamon buns, work to be … buns …
SOUND: Jaxon putting trays into the oven; closing the door
SOUND: Heavy footsteps
SUPERVISOR ANDREEV
Here you are! Can’t hide from me. And Edwin, this must be where all the layabouts … lay! Ha!
DR. JUST
Mining Supervisor Andreev.
SUPERVISOR ANDREEV
You should be like Amal – there’s a good worker! We’ve been in the tunnels the last thirteen hours.
SOUND: Sitting down heavily on a stool, grunting
SUPERVISOR ANDREEV
What’re we drinking? Eddie, you’re empty. Why don’t you scare us up a drop?
(after a moment)
What’s he baking in there?
JAXON
They’re not ready yet.
SUPERVISOR ANDREEV
Well, anything you’ve got handy; my stomach’s playing a symphony! What happened to those En-Soy-Ment buns we used to have?
JAXON
We’re not using En-Soy-Ment anymore. I found out that –
SUPERVISOR ANDREEV
Dammit, I had a real taste for those.
(soft chuckle, under his breath)
“Very knife!”
DR. JUST
Pafnuty, are you here for some actual reason?
SUPERVISOR ANDREEV
Right. Jaxon! We’ve been running tests on the mining bots, those new routines that Nessa’s girlfriend wrote – rest in peace, Nessa of course not her girlfriend. We’re getting some results, but I wanted to see if that Addie remembered anything else before I pack for my move to Base Zeta!
JAXON
You can find Addie in the comms cubicle.
DR. JUST
You walked past it to get to the kitchen.
SUPERVISOR ANDREEV
That’s a boy, Jaxon! I’ll keep an eye on whatever you’ve got cooking.
JAXON
(after a moment)
Cinnamon buns. Okay, fine, okay. Sure.
SOUND: Slow footsteps, kitchen background fades, hallway fades back in as we leave with Jaxon
SUPERVISOR ANDREEV
(distant, still in the kitchen)
Now Eddie, you can do better than cocoa …
JAXON
(to himself)
Work to be done, work to be done … task list, add consultation with Temporary Technician Adlai. Schedule for … now.
SOUND: Addie’s voice inside the comms cubicle, impossible to make out words but sounding urgent
SOUND: Knocking on the wall beside the comms door; the voice stops immediately
SOUND: The door slides open
ADDIE
Hey … Jaxon. Hola. Guess we’re both burning the midnight oil.
JAXON
Did I interrupt a call?
ADDIE
A call? No. Trying, I guess, I mean that’s the job right? Gotta get that network to give up the goods. Which used to be my specialty, so …
(they laugh nervously; note pronunciation of “Ser” rhymes with pear)
Something I can do for you, buddy? Ser? Amigue?
JAXON
(they yawn)
Mining Supervisor Andreev had a request.
ADDIE
I’m surprised he didn’t just shout at me from the mining tunnels. Do you want to come in?
JAXON
Not really. The cubicle smells like Roger.
ADDIE
Right? I’ve tried every olfactory, nothing works. It’s not a bad smell, exactly, but … he’s spent way too much time in here.
JAXON
Supervisor wanted to know, the notes from Elena. Was there anything else about the mining bots?
ADDIE
I don’t think so … I’ve given you everything I’ve got. I’ve gone over it all with you and with Tumnus and … everything, my brain is running on empty. I’ll keep trying, but I’m pretty sure you’ve got it all –
SOUND: An insistent beeping – alert chime for an incoming message
SOUND: Addie rushing back to the comms chair, pressing buttons
ADDIE
Shit-sticks, that’s got to be Wilder. I haven’t … I don’t know which button is for incoming, I haven’t –
JAXON
I think if you flip this switch –
SOUND: When we hear Wilder over the speaker, she’s a bit staticy, and we can hear the sounds of the vehicle a bit beneath her words
WILDER
Hello, Base Theta? Sweet potato Jesus, somebody better have their ears on. This is Wilder, dang it –
ADDIE
Wilder? Base Theta … here. Receiving.
WILDER
Roger?
ADDIE
Addie. Do you want me to get –
WILDER
Nah, not a big deal. I’ve just got some notes t’ leave for Jaxon, if you could pass these along –
ADDIE
It’s your lucky night! Jaxon’s right over my shoulder.
WILDER
Saves a bit of time. Just a few things I was thinkin’ about, not much to do but think while I’m out here on th’ … not really road. I’ve been catchin’ up on my stories and listenin’ to some Daft Punk, thank you Tumnus. But I’ve got a few things to add to your list there.
JAXON
I’m … I’m listening.
WILDER
We gotta start tradin’ supplies around quick – last I checked, we’re runnin’ low on supplements –
JAXON
I’ve got that. That was in my report –
WILDER
Right. You’ve got that. Also, someone needs to check the ventilation in th’ new labs –
JAXON
Your crew is on that. The one you let us wake up, Raymonda –
WILDER
Oh, ain’t he a piece of work! But I guess that’s okay. Speakin’ of wakin’ folks up, it’s probably time to get McVett on that schedule – I don’t know why that hasn’t happened yet –
JAXON
(sighs)
Tumnus has him on the list.
WILDER
I guess I’m just th’ troll in your chat room! Sorry, Jaxon, I know you’ve got it all under control. I’m just … you know, everything that’s happenin’ on both sides of the moon now, it’s just an awful lot. I know I dropped it all in your lap.
(after a moment)
Whoa! Better let you go here, I’ve got some tricky steerin’ to do. I should be able to call one more time before I get too far, so look forward t’ that! G’bye, Jaxon. Bye Addie.
ADDIE
And she’s gone.
JAXON
(quietly, to themselves)
Work to be done, work to be done, work to be done …
ADDIE
Jaxon?
JAXON
(getting more anxious and wound up)
Task list … prioritize … task list … prioritize …
SOUND: Jaxon heading for the door, bumping into the desk
ADDIE
Can I do anything for you, amigue?
JAXON
Talk to Andreev. I’ve got to go.
SOUND: Jaxon’s breathing, anxious footsteps
JAXON
Task list, strike out consultation with Adlai, move to completed stack.
(brief pause, more affected as he goes)
Task list, revivals, Harold McVett – move this to Tumnus’ stack … in-increase priority.
(brief pause)
Work to be done, work … done … done … done … Task list, check in with Quartermaster Narváez on supplements, increase priority … tomorrow morning, I guess.
(anxious sigh, ramping up)
Where there’s room. Maybe Addie can help. And … there’s Michell, and Maria, and … too many calls, too too too …
SOUND: The footsteps and the breathing has increased, and finger snaps have added in
SOUND: A door sliding open
SOUND: Hallway background ends
SOUND: Observatory background (ongoing)
ASHWINI
– damn them, and damn the corporations for mothballing that laser communications relay. While that still would have relied on a satellite system, and admittedly may have been even less hackable. But lasers are so much more interesting.
(brief pause, realizing)
Jaxon, good evening, I was capturing a few thoughts before I – are you all right?
SOUND: Footsteps, then both of them moving further into the room, Jaxon’s reactions continue
ASHWINI
Here, take my chair. Did someone out there – who do I have to attack? All I need is a name. My voice – or poison pen, or other inappropriate disciplinary action – is at your command.
JAXON
I’m just … I need to … too too too … I was … it’s been a lot today already, and then Supervisor Andreev, and then Addie, and then Wilder checking in with more work to be done, work to be done … I’m sorry.
ASHWINI
Nothing to be sorry for, my dear. I should be paying more attention, I should know when the crew is overwhelming you.
JAXON
As Base Lead, or as my …? It’s not … your job to see everything.
ASHWINI
To observe universally is the definition of my job.
JAXON
My task list is just too … too. If you could …
ASHWINI
Absolutely. Sit, and breathe; at least I can sweep back the tide.
JAXON
Thank you.
SOUND: Listening to Jaxon’s breathing, and finger snapping, slow down through the next line
ASHWINI
All right, now this can go, this can be diverted to Medic Pacey, and this is overwhelmingly unimportant – let’s assign that to Roger … this should stay, you absolutely need McVett to take over the farm –
JAXON
I like the farm. Keep the farm and the kitchen. If I had to do all of this, and I couldn’t bake …
ASHWINI
I understand. I wish I spent more of my time here, focused on the search beyond. If only the everyday didn’t get in the way of our greater purposes … and of our time together.
JAXON
That … too.
(almost inaudible)
Too too too.
(complicated sigh)
ASHWINI
There, I think I’ve made some changes in your workload that you’ll appreciate.
JAXON
Thank you.
ASHWINI
Now we can be our private selves for a while. No more work until the morning.
JAXON
(getting a bit anxious again)
But the tasks with both our names. Bioresource engineering, and discussing the morality of the revivals, withholding revivals … Doctor Just had some comments on collectivism, I need your thoughts on that –
ASHWINI
We have become a power couple, haven’t we?
(brief pause, soothingly)
There’s time for everything, but perhaps not tonight?
JAXON
I need to plan the recipes for the next week. I’ll tell you a secret – I don’t actually like quiche. To eat, the texture is too rubbery. But I do like cooking them.
ASHWINI
Sounds like the quiche is a maybe.
JAXON
(losing energy, anxious but slowing down)
And then there’s the … I can’t even think, I can’t even … too too too …
ASHWINI
I agree wholeheartedly, it is all, “too too too.”
JAXON
I think I need to … the cot, and the weighted blanket.
ASHWINI
Of course. I’ll make sure you’re not disturbed.
SOUND: They disentangle, and Jaxon stands up
JAXON
Thank you … again.
SOUND: A barely audible kiss, then a few footsteps and Jaxon settling down on the cot
SOUND: In the background, quiet noises as Ashwini works on zir data feed
SOUND: Jaxon humming to himself
ASHWINI
(quietly, across the room)
Display extracted data using my latest baseline corrections … not the aggregate image, the full continuum data. There … there … tag that, that could be interesting.
JAXON
Computer, play file NC-one-seven-zero-one, timestamp five-thirty-six.
SOUND: Slight beep to indicate message playback
NESSA (Rec.)
You can find Hydrastis canadensis in the genetic archives. If cultivated, it could be a possible area of research. It’s not as effective as the medical supplements, but … you know how it is, they don’t always supplement on time! It’s good to have other options in the long run, so we don’t rely so much on Earth.
(brief pause, she laughs)
The idea is that we rely on each other! You’ve been such great help, Jaxon – with all these plans, with the Plan, with … just everything. There’s no one I rely on more than you. Everything you’ve done for me – all the times you’ve brought me tea and snacks out in the garden, every time you’ve held my hand while I cried out my homesickness in the middle of the night … or the middle of a meeting, just quieter, and you were the only one who could tell.
(brief pause, following that thought)
I know how hard you’ve worked to read people, how much extra work it takes – it means even more that you devote that effort to me, that I’m worth it to you. I hope that I am. I hope I make our friendship worthwhile, that I do enough to reach out to you and … meet in the middle somewhere.
(brief pause, lightening the mood)
Even if I do annoy you with my jokes! I mean, I can’t blame you, most of them are pretty corny. Ha! Jaxon, pretty corny. I think my jokes are Zea mays-ing!
(she giggles)
Okay, that one I’m sorry for. Sorry-not-sorry. But I just wanted to say … I see everything you’ve done for me. I appreciate it. And I wanted to record this so you’d have something to listen to … when you’re worried you don’t really connect with people, when you’re not sure the work you’ve done is worth it, and it seems like not enough people are reaching back. People are … I still think essentially good, but they get really caught up in their own stuff and their own struggle. You’ve never had it that easy – you’ve always
had to be the one who reaches out. Speaking for most of humanity, we don’t deserve you … but it’s such a good thing that you’ve put yourself out into the world. Thank you for doing that. For being that.
(brief pause)
This is second-tier Agriculturalist Vanessa Xiuying Cheong – don’t ever call me Vanessa, I don’t know why I even brought that up – and I’m signing off for this message. Jaxon, this one is dedicated just for you. I can’t wait to see you again tomorrow.
SOUND: Slight beep to indicate playback is complete
SOUND: Observatory 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” this episode is The Victor Group, supplier of stasis pods to every megacorporation. Freeze your way to the future!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Northern Africa camp background – outside, evening
SOUND: Silverware across a ceramic plate – Nima eating
SOUND: Footsteps a bit off
RESIST 1
(across the way)
Nima! Any news?
NIMA
Just another day. Anything from home?
RESIST 1
Nothing yet. We’re trying another radio tower – and another, and another, if that’s what it takes.
(after a moment, moving away; translation – “From the river to the sea”)
مِنَ النَّهْرِ إلَى الْبَحْرِ
NIMA
(muttering in Arabic, translation is, “But now the sea is so much deeper.”
لكن الان البحر اعمق بكثير
SOUND: Picking up the silverware again
SOUND: After a moment, dogs barking, getting nearer
ELIO
(a bit distant)
Girls, girls. Castor and Pollux! No, stay with me …
SOUND: Dogs much closer now, whining and barking a bit
SOUND: Elio’s footsteps / cane
NIMA
(less annoyed with them than previously)
All right, you … away from my plate … Elio!
ELIO
Girls! Girls, stop now, go play with your piggy.
SOUND: More barking, eventually moving off a bit
ELIO
I’m sorry. I think they really miss Alex. They’ve been so anxious lately.
NIMA
Who hasn’t? Umm … they’re serving dinner inside.
ELIO
I’m not hungry, but I’ll keep you company.
SOUND: Sliding into a seat – metal bench
NIMA
Oh.
ELIO
What have you been doing?
NIMA
Playing resistance ping pong. Back to the coast, then here again for support, then back to the coast …
ELIO
Are you getting everything you need? I’m still helping to organize supplies … and people, anything I can.
NIMA
We’re okay. Thanks.
(after a moment)
I’m having trouble finding replacement kits for the medical bots. If you could …?
ELIO
I helped the nurses pack some a few days ago – going down to Khartoum but there must be some left. I’ll find out for you.
SOUND: A few barks, one dog running up to her
ELIO
Pol! All right, give it here. Give it.
(she grunts, throwing; after a moment to Nima)
How much longer are you staying?
SOUND: An outside door opening not far away, laughter
TECHNO 1
(similarly not far, but getting closer)
So I told them, you can have the constellation prize!
STEPHEN
Yeah.
TECHNO 1
Constellation prize.
STEPHEN
I got the joke. Oh, Elio! And Nima.
NIMA
No, you don’t have to …
(they sigh)
SOUND: Sitting down, trays clattering
TECHNO 1
Elio, did you eat? I can get you something.
ELIO
I’m okay. Hi, Stephen.
SOUND: Occasional eating sounds – silverware on plates, etc. (ongoing through conversation)
STEPHEN
Nima, it’s been a while since you’ve stopped by Jabal Hamzah.
NIMA
I’ve been pretty busy here on Earth.
STEPHEN
We’ve made a lot of progress. When they opened the facility and said, let’s convert a missile from the thirties into a vehicle now … how do you retrofit something that never had passenger space? Even if you add in a capsule, the whole balance of the rocket changes – but I’ve managed to make it possible.
TECHNO 1
(talking with their mouth full)
He had to design a whole new fairing –
STEPHEN
And stabilizers, and an equipment bay, and the adaptations for solid fuel – but it’s been coming together. The tech you helped us smuggle out has made a big difference.
NIMA
Uh huh.
ELIO
Why didn’t you start with a passenger vehicle?
TECHNO 1
There aren’t any! And we can’t do full fabrication from scratch – we can print parts, but unless we Lego the whole thing …
ELIO
I’d like to see some of that. I didn’t have much chance with the other rocket.
TECHNO 1
I’d be happy to show you.
STEPHEN
Sure, we could plan some sort of field trip. I mean, you’re practically a leader of tomorrow!
(he laughs, a little condescending)
NIMA
I hope it’s not all about the Moon. You’re still working on satellite access?
STEPHEN
Of course, there’s been a team on that. We don’t want to launch without a way to know who’s up there!
TECHNO 1
The encryption has been a pain in the you-know-what.
STEPHEN
So that’s all going, the fabrication team is also working on front line tech, Elena’s got her whole bot lab running now on the lower levels –
NIMA
Elena’s there? I wondered what happened to her.
STEPHEN
She’s been with us for a few weeks. She’s training her bots to do … something structural, I think?
TECHNO 1
That’s what it looked like. Maybe it’s part of that Plan thing?
ELIO
If we go to visit, we can check in on her, too.
SOUND: The dogs run up, panting, collars jangling
ELIO
You’d like to see Elena, wouldn’t you? And the rocket ship? Wouldn’t you?
SOUND: Uncertain barks, whining
STEPHEN
I don’t think we could let them inside.
SOUND: A fist on the table, dishes clattering, Nima standing up
NIMA
This has all been fun. I’m gonna take a walk.
SOUND: The dogs bark a few times, excited
ELIO
Girls, I don’t think she means you.
NIMA
Bring them if you want.
SOUND: Brisk footsteps moving away; Elio getting up quickly to follow; dogs barking
SOUND: Dinner sounds end as they move away
ELIO
Oh. Okay. Okay! Girls! We’re coming!
TECHNO 1
Elio?
STEPHEN
We’ll, umm, set something up for later!
SOUND: Quick footsteps (note Elio is using her cane) as Nima and Elio walk
SOUND: Dogs cavorting back and forth a little, occasional bark or yip
ELIO
(after a while, a bit out of breath)
Where are you heading?
NIMA
Away. I just need to walk.
ELIO
Maybe I should … catch up with you later.
NIMA
Sorry.
SOUND: Footsteps continue at a more reasonable pace
NIMA
I hate the Moon!
ELIO
What?
NIMA
I can’t sit there listening to everyone so excited to talk to the Moon, to go to the Moon – when my home, my people, are just over there but I can’t get to there! “The megas are watching, the shores are all guarded.” Sure, of course. So why did I cross oceans, so you could play games with rockets and robots?
SOUND: A dog barks right beside them
ELIO
Pol, give it to me.
NIMA
Here. I need to throw something.
(they grunt as they throw the toy hard)
Go! Run!
ELIO
(after a few moments, tentatively)
I’ve been reading about Palestine. I didn’t know it was still a thing. After the Enclaves, I mean.
NIMA
They couldn’t take away what they never gave us.
ELIO
But … there’s no more Israel now, right? I mean, there’s Jerusalem, Jerusalem Enclave, but …
NIMA
(a harsh laugh)
Who knows what they call themselves inside the walls? Israel, the corporations … from our side, we barely noticed the change. They call us the “Gaza Free Zone” to sound modern; same thing they did with the reservations in the Americas.
ELIO
I traveled for a while with a Sioux group heading north. I didn’t know who they were either until they told me.
NIMA
Erase the history, erase the people.
SOUND: The dogs come back to them, panting, whining a little
ELIO
Is it okay if we sit down?
NIMA
Sure.
SOUND: The wind has picked up a little, the dogs settle in around them
ELIO
Come here, Cas.
(after a moment)
It didn’t turn out so good, we passed close to St. Louis City and Security was everywhere. They sent all the younger ones to hide deep in the woods. We waited a week with no food, curled up in blankets … but no one ever came back.
SOUND: A dog whines
ELIO
I know, girl. You would have watched out for me.
NIMA
Is that when you …?
ELIO
I always had my cane. But I got pretty sick out there, that never went away.
NIMA
When I crossed over the Red the first time, coming here, I was almost caught by the bots. I had to hide in a basement, freezing, water up to my elbows, for days until they passed.
(after a moment)
Do your people know?
ELIO
Moddy Sarah knew.
NIMA
I’m … glad there was someone.
ELIO
They paid attention to everyone’s story. They would have wanted to know yours, too.
NIMA
My story is still being told.
SOUND: A dog barks
NIMA
Here, Pol. It’s okay.
ELIO
When you can get back there … I’d go with you. If I’d be any help.
NIMA
We’ll see.
(relenting a little)
Thank you.
(They sit in silence for a moment or two.)
SOUND: Elio quietly hums the melody from the song on the ultralight (see S4P2) – she might not even realize she’s doing it. Eventually, Nima hums along
SOUND: The dogs bark, running back and forth a bit
SOUND: Camp background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Comms cubicle background (ongoing)
ROGER
(outside in the hall)
Addie, it’s fine. I’m awake now, I’ll keep an ear on things. Go on, Pafnuty won’t wait.
SOUND: Footsteps, Roger sitting down in his chair, leaning back
ROGER
(in the room now)
They messed up my chair some way … or maybe it’s all the not-sleep I’ve been getting. Still, it’s a better night watch than … dammit, Roger, don’t say that. Don’t think that. It’s another poem for you, no cheating.
SOUND: Pages turning
ROGER
Now if my eyes will open … Lewis Carroll, “A Strange Wild Song.” Sounds about right.
(after a moment)
He thought he saw an Elephant
That practised on a fife:
He looked again, and found it was
A letter from his wife.
“At length I realize,” he said,
“The bitterness of life!”
He thought he saw a Buffalo –
SOUND: A beeping sound – the alert chime for an incoming message (see p.8)
ROGER
Dammit. Dammit, the other switch … uhh, hello?
MARIA
(over a speaker)
Who’s that? It’s Maria here, Base Gamma.
ROGER
Ah, the other L’Anglois. This is Roger Bragado-Fischer, Communications, Moonbase Theta.
MARIA
Right … Roger.
ROGER
Whatever Michell has said about me, take it with a very full shaker of salt.
MARIA
It didn’t sound like you played well together.
ROGER
We had our differences. So, what can I do you for? I think Jaxon’s asleep, but Ashwini, ze’s a creature of the night –
MARIA
No no, it’s all good. You’ve been on my list for a while now anyway.
ROGER
Me? No surprise you’ve got a list, but … me?
MARIA
Before too long, we’re gonna need your help.
ROGER
You’re sure you’ve got the right guy?
MARIA
You’re the voice of the Moon to those chumps down below. Didn’t your husband tell you about that? Oh, shit, sorry.
ROGER
I do … know about it.
MARIA
They all know you. We’re gonna need to use that when it comes time to talk turkey with the megas.
ROGER
Right now, we’re still working on the talking part? I’m doing my best, but –
MARIA
Don’t worry, I’ve got my comms guy on that too. McGurk.
ROGER
(not really a fan)
I know McGurk.
MARIA
I’ve got a feeling we’ll crack the satellite thing pretty soon.
ROGER
From your mouth to … my mouth. I guess.
MARIA
That’s all I had to say, just making sure you’re on the team.
ROGER
We’re all one big happy family here on the Moon.
MARIA
Ain’t we just. Later days, Bragado-Fischer.
SOUND: A tone to indicate the call has disconnected
ROGER
(after a moment)
Huh. Ooooookay.
SOUND: There is a pause, we only hear the tapping of keys on his keyboard
ROGER
(after a bit of silence)
Where was I …
(skipping ahead a bit in the poem)
He thought he saw a Kangaroo
That worked a Coffee-mill:
He looked again, and found it was
A Vegetable-Pill.
“Were I to swallow this,” he said,
“I should be very ill!”
He thought he saw a Coach-and-Four
That stood beside his bed:
He looked again, and found it was
A Bear without a Head.
“Poor thing,” he said, “poor silly thing!
It’s waiting to be fed!”
SOUND: Cubicle background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Danyelle Ellett, Cole Burkhardt, Journee LaFond, Tau Zaman, Tina Daniels, Elissa Park, David S. Dear, Becca Marcus, Corey Spruill, Serena Rahal, Tom Zalatnai, Leeman Kessler, Cat Blackard, Martin Chodorek, and Addie Nofal.
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? I’m gonna take a wild stab and say you probably like sci-fi, particularly of the more compassionate bent, so go give The Vesta Clinic a listen!
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 we are shouting out Jaxon Sylvis.
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.
