MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 7 – “On The Same Page”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
Moonbase Theta, Out – a Monkeyman Productions Podcast. Season 4, Episode 7 – “On The Same Page.”
INTRO
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
ANNOUNCER
The statement issued by Xinopec Corporate Security indicates that the leaked documents did originate from a server within the now-defunct Rio-Sao Paolo Enclave. This would cast suspicion on persons within the Consortium; the two megas have a long history of competition. However, Consortium Management noted in their reply that the date of the leak is weeks after they’d withdrawn from the Enclave, including the removal of all hardware and networking capability. As the site has now been designated a Microplastics Neutralization Facility, it is unlikely that further investigations will be fruitful.
(brief pause, pronunciation below is “Joe-koh”)
One final story before our traditional, “Good night, and good news” – if you’ve been missing Barnett Bell for the last few broadcasts, tonight she’s back! Back on location, that is, reporting from Zhoukou on the return of some very special little robot friends. Barnett?
BARNETT BELL
(gamely; fading out at the end of this line, see pronunciation above)
That’s … absolutely right, I’m live from Zhoukou with a story that’s got the entire Prefecture buzzing. It’s the return of the nanobees! You can probably hear the satisfied humming in the field behind me as they return to work providing the necessary pollination …
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Security keypad, buttons being pressed, fail tone
TECHNO 1
Just a minute, they might have changed the code …
SOUND: Buttons being pressed again, fail tone
SOUND: Banging on the door
TECHNO 1
Guys! Hello … did I miss an update?
NASHWA
I think I can –
SOUND: Buttons being pressed again; door unlocked
SOUND: Office background, a bit of light music behind
NASHWA
There we go.
TECHNO 1
Okay.
(after a moment, regaining their sense of importance)
That’s the design lab, it doesn’t look like much unless you’re jacked in. But you’ll like this better – Stephen’s office looks right over the assembly floor! This is where I bring people and I do the – you know, the ta-da thing, like … “Welcome to Jabal Hamzah!” Ta-da!
(they hum a bit of appropriate music)
NIMA
Yeah, right. Wait, he’s got ice in here?
SOUND: Ice clinking into a glass; water being poured
ELIO
It’s so much bigger than the other space!
TECHNO 1
Well, Patrick was never really designed right – this has been a rocket assembly and launch facility since the middle of the twentieth century! Right now, you’ve gotta use your imagination, but …
ELIO
It’s really impressive.
TECHNO 1
Right? I wish Payload could see this! And this is just the Northern Complex, wait until you see –
NASHWA
Is Stephen on his way?
TECHNO 1
Of course he’s on his way. I’ll just … check on him …
SOUND: Footsteps quickly moving away
TECHNO 1
(distant, over a speaker)
Stephen, uhh, please come to your office. Now.
(There is a slightly awkward pause.)
SOUND: Nima takes a long, loud sip of their drink
NIMA
Why does he get ice?
ELIO
(after another pause, putting her thoughts together)
Nashwa …
NASHWA
Yes, Elio?
ELIO
It is impressive … this place, all the work here … but why the Moon?
(a little bashful)
I know why the megas want the Moon, and I think the technos just wanted to prove they could get there … but why is the Moon worth this for you?
NIMA
See! She gets it.
(in Arabic, translation is “It’s pointless.”)
كله عل الفاضي
NASHWA
(in Arabic, translation is, “It won’t be pointless if we can connect with them.”)
مش هيبقي علي الفاضي لو قدرنا نتوصال معاهن
SOUND: Footsteps approaching
NASHWA
(continuing, to Nima)
Why the Moon?
STEPHEN
(entering)
Why the Moon? Why the sky, why the Earth, why do we do anything that we’re doing?
NIMA
All good questions. I’m going to get another drink.
SOUND: The deliberate noise of ice dropping into a glass
TECHNO 1
I found Stephen!
ELIO
Hi.
STEPHEN
No four legged friends today? I guess they couldn’t be.
(barely pausing)
If you ask why the Moon, you might as well ask why knowledge? Why exploration? Why even look at the stars?
NIMA
(in the background)
Why make speeches?
STEPHEN
We’re in a tight place, I know that. But reaching beyond where we are now – that’s what keeps us from being squeezed dry. That’s why places like this were created.
NIMA
And to fight bigger wars.
STEPHEN
But we can change that! People left these things lying here, the rockets, the Moonbases – we can put them to a new purpose. It’s like that Plan Elena is working on – renewal out of a dry and dusty place. That’s what we need to keep going.
TECHNO 1
Yeah! What he said!
NIMA
(touched, but fighting that feeling)
That’s easy to say from an office like this, with your music and your ice!
STEPHEN
My ice?
ELIO
That’s lovely, Stephen. And I know it’s true for you. I just don’t …
NASHWA
We do have other reasons. As Stephen said, we’re in a tight place, and the corporations just keep squeezing. We need more options and more allies – the Moon could be a source for both, if we can connect with them in time.
STEPHEN
That’s what we’re working on. The Moon might not be the answer to everything, but it’s a start.
NIMA
It’s a distraction.
STEPHEN
We could trade supplies, personnel, like we have with Nima and Palestine –
NIMA
You won’t catch me on your rocket.
STEPHEN
If they’re getting things started again, we could be a part of that.
NASHWA
Which is what I’m here for today, that and giving Elio a tour.
TECHNO 1
(grumbling, in the background)
I was the one giving the tour.
NASHWA
Right now, our plans depend as much on talking to the Moon as getting there. I need an update on what’s happening with the satellite network.
STEPHEN
Right. Right! I was going to talk to you anyway. We’re in!
NIMA
You’re what?
TECHNO 1
(overlapping a bit, still background)
We hacked the system!
NASHWA
We’re in?
STEPHEN
One satellite. We’re into one satellite, which is … I admit, obscured periodically –
TECHNO 1
It is geostationary, but we don’t have the best angle –
STEPHEN
But it’s a start. It’s a foothold. We can start working our way through the architecture, we can track other objects within the network – that’s important since we want to reach Base Theta in particular. So, we’re on our way.
NIMA
Can you use it to communicate here on Earth?
STEPHEN
I … don’t know. That would be complicated, we’d have to –
NIMA
Haven’t you even tried?
NASHWA
I think what Nima’s asking is –
NIMA
He knows what I’m asking.
TECHNO 1
We won’t have access again for another twenty –
NIMA
(overlapping, in Arabic, translation is, “I’m not talking to you.”)
بحكيش معك
(back to Nashwa and Stephen)
You have to try! If you can’t get me back, at least let me talk to them –
STEPHEN
It’s not that easy.
NASHWA
You have to allow them some time.
NIMA
More time? Again?
ELIO
(trying to smooth things over)
Nima, maybe we could go downstairs and visit Elena?
(to the others)
You said we’d be able to see Elena’s work, we’ve all wondered what she’s up to.
NASHWA
That sounds like an excellent idea. Stephen and I have a lot to talk about.
NIMA
I’m sure you do.
TECHNO 1
I’ll take you, Elio! It’s all part of the tour.
SOUND: Footsteps (including Elio’s cane), some background noise; office background fading out
NASHWA
(a bit distant as we follow Elio and Nima out)
I need to know all the details – remember, we’ve got people underground on those Bases.
STEPHEN
(fading on this line)
Aren’t they all underground?
TECHNO 1
We’ve got to take the big elevator, we can’t keep them all in service.
SOUND: Big, clunky, service elevator doors opening; a few steps in
NIMA
Are you sure this one’s in service?
TECHNO 1
Of course! And I know the right code for this one.
SOUND: Hitting a sequence of keys; elevator doors close and they descend
TECHNO 1
I don’t work down here, but sometimes they let me help with test runs. I used to be a robot fighter.
ELIO
Elena’s not working on fighting bots?
TECHNO 1
I don’t think so?
(Nima sighs obviously.)
SOUND: Elevator stops; the clunky doors open again; footsteps
SOUND: Echoing hallway background
TECHNO 1
It’s down this way. The side that’s umm, got the lights on.
ELIO
The sign says, “Fuel Storage.”
TECHNO 1
We don’t really have any fuel right now. And the tanks are useful for the hydrostatic tests.
NIMA
(after a moment)
We’re not staying long, okay? I’ve got other things to do.
SOUND: We can hear some big industrial roboty noises (have fun!), faint at first
ELENA
(starting off faint as well)
We’ve got to get better results, we’ve got accuracy but not repeatability. Half the problem is the damping effect –
ELIO
Elena! Mx. Elena DeSoto, you have visitors!
ELENA
Elio? Is that Elio, hi! Just a minute, stay right there.
(quickly, to the bots she’s working with)
All physical units to standby mode; keep running the simulations.
SOUND: The industrial roboty noises end; transition from hallway background to lab background (though it’s not really much difference); a few muted beeps occasionally in the background, robots shifting
ELENA
Okay, it’s safe. Nobody told me you were coming down! Or they might have, I get pretty far inside my head down here.
(the tone changes a bit, things are difficult with Nima)
Nima. It’s … been a while.
NIMA
I don’t have a lot of time to visit research facilities.
ELIO
They wouldn’t let me bring Cas and Pol; they miss you too.
ELENA
I miss those girls! And you. But I’ve been busy with good things.
ELIO
We are too. Most of our people have found places. I keep tabs on everyone and check in.
ELENA
And now it’s my turn?
(a bit squished in a hug, under her breath)
They’d be really proud of you.
ELIO
I’m trying.
TECHNO 1
Well … I guess if you don’t need me …
ELENA
I’ll keep everyone out of trouble.
TECHNO 1
Okay, if you don’t need anything. Okay.
SOUND: Footsteps moving away in the background; a piece of machinery shifts
NIMA
I thought these things were on standby!
ELENA
They shift a little on their own sometimes, adjusting for stress.
NIMA
I can imagine.
ELIO
So what are you doing down here? All anyone knows is that it’s maybe something structural and probably not robot fighting. It’s got to be important if you’re working so hard.
ELENA
No robot fighting! Not unless they misbehave.
(brief pause, she’s pushing here, trying to sound convincing)
I’ve been introducing some new procedures, using these maintenance and construction units. They’re pretty adaptable by design, and I had some ideas on how to keep adapting them. Nashwa’s had a few requests, too, so I’ve thrown myself into things! There’s a lot happening here.
ELIO
Stephen said they could be talking to the Moon before long.
ELENA
I’ve heard. I’m not … involved in that much, though I’m still part of the Plan. Always. This stuff has kept me pretty busy.
ELIO
(a bit tentative)
It’s busier everywhere now.
NIMA
(bitter)
You should see it at the front. You might remember.
ELIO
I know I look up sometimes, at the end of a busy day, and I realize I haven’t had a single minute for myself. Or for the girls.
ELENA
I’m sure you have lots of volunteers to take them for play dates.
ELIO
Moddy Sarah always said that rest is as important as work. And … keeping up your connections with the people around you.
ELENA
You … really did come down here with a purpose, didn’t you?
(a little too glib)
I’m okay, I promise. I’m working hard, but … I get lots of exercise with the bots, and Nashwa comes down sometimes, we listen to music … do you want some music? It makes a big difference. Umm … playlist thirteen?
SOUND: Cheerful music starts playing, a bit too loud for talking
ELENA
(louder to be heard)
You like this? Nima, I know you’re big into music.
NIMA
What do you mean by that?
ELIO
It’s a little bit loud!
ELENA
Right. Reduce volume to twenty-five!
SOUND: The music continues, but at an appropriate background level
ELIO
I’m not … I don’t mean anything, Elena. You’ve always been so focused. I just worry …
ELENA
I know. I get that.
NIMA
You should have seen her at the front, when she was doing real work.
ELENA
All right, that’s it. Music off.
SOUND: The music shuts off immediately
ELENA
Why did you make this little social call? What are you in for? Elio can lecture me if she wants –
ELIO
I’m not lecturing –
ELENA
But haven’t I done enough for you? Isn’t this all enough?
NIMA
For me? I don’t know what you’re doing here, what part of the grand, glorious Plan – but if you wanted to do something for me, we could use your help back on Earth! We’re still barely holding on at the coast, I’m no closer to getting back to my home –
ELENA
Standby mode, off!
SOUND: The bots lurch back to life, though keeping the sound a bit muted
ELENA
Goddamn it, Nima! It’s your project that’s been taking all my time. I know you want everyone beside you at the front, but doesn’t this mean anything in comparison?
NIMA
What do you mean, my project?
ELENA
Fill the practice tanks!
(after a beat)
I don’t sleep, I eat at that workbench right there, I don’t – Elio, okay okay, I don’t exercise and I haven’t seen the sun in a week and a half –
SOUND: In the background, the large storage tanks are filling with water (ongoing, quietly)
NIMA
How is this my project?
ELENA
Who else would this be for?
NIMA
You’re not making any sense. How is any of this for me? I don’t even know what you’re doing?
ELENA
You see that screen there? What does it say at the top of that work plan?
ELIO
(after a moment, when Nima doesn’t)
“An automated system for the generation of a submerged floating tunnel between coastlines.”
ELENA
Do you think there’s a lot of use for underwater robotics on the Moon?
NIMA
Wait. Just … wait a minute here.
SOUND: Hitting a key on the keyboard a few times as they read down the screen
NIMA
(captivated now)
You mean the bots can construct this … underwater … the whole way across?
ELENA
Not yet. That’s what I’m working on. It’s based on structures built along the North Sea, but those were fully tethered to one coast. Using the same structures to make a full passage, you have to think about anchors, lift and drag forces, environmental factors …
NIMA
But it’s possible, without having to fight our way across on the surface.
ELENA
I hope. I’m doing everything that I can.
NIMA
I need you to tell me … everything about this.
ELENA
I thought for sure you knew about it. Nashwa must have …
(she laughs a little)
Here, sit down. The tanks take some time to fill, then you can watch the next fabrication trials.
SOUND: Stools sliding out, sitting down
ELENA
Do you want the music back?
NIMA
Let me see your playlists.
ELENA
Elio, you’ll stay and watch too?
ELIO
Nima?
NIMA
Busy.
ELIO
Of course I’ll stay. Maybe afterwards, you could come and visit with us? You haven’t seen the gardens in a while … we have a pond with a few water lilies.
ELENA
(note – pronunciation is “Nim-fay-ah Sir-ule-ee-ah”)
Nymphaea caerulea? Okay, you’ve got me.
(after a moment)
Nima, I’ll talk you through what I’m doing with the bots …
SOUND: Background effects (lab, tanks filling) fade out
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
ANNOUNCER
Our program is brought to you by Planetwide Media – broadcasting everywhere on Earth and across the Moon! Tonight’s “Spotlight Sponsor” is MADELEY – pop icon, star of over two hundred senssuround productions, corrupter of youth. Download MADELEY’s latest release, “Logistics Wrangler / Philosopher”, through your cortex app today!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Inner office background
SOUND: A harsh tone indicating a call has cut off
RECEPTION BOT
Call disconnected.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Well, let’s pick it up again, I barely had a chance to introduce the topic of conversation. Do you think you could lend some technological expertise?
SLIPSTREAM
Comms isn’t really my thing, but I’ll take a look.
SOUND: Some keyboard tapping
SLIPSTREAM
How many ways are you routing this thing?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
We do prefer back channels, we’re not ready to announce our presence to the world.
SLIPSTREAM
You’re going through the Arctic backbone to get your call to the Pacific.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
And you’re suggesting?
SLIPSTREAM
Spoofing, AES 256 encryption, about a hundred different cortex apps … here. This should be more stable.
RECEPTION BOT
Call access restored.
SLIPSTREAM
That’s what I said.
DANIELS
(returning mid-sentence, unaware the call dropped)
– I’m surprised you don’t have anything to say about that, Ser. Monopoly should definitely be your game.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
As long as I play the racecar. We missed most of that, Officer, could you go over it again?
DANIELS
Seriously? It’s all in my report anyway, which is probably a lot more secure than a live call.
SLIPSTREAM
She’s got a point.
DANIELS
(pronunciation below is “Joe-koh”)
But you should know I was hilarious. To recap, I’ve been to every site now. We’ve still got people in place, but the megas are rebuilding pretty fast. Here in Zhoukou, you can barely tell the difference.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
That is … unfortunate, but expected. Zero Day was only my first appearance on the scoreboard, taking down a few bosses while I built up my stats. Our next will be far more memorable.
DANIELS
If you say so.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
We’re in this race to win, there’s no place or show.
DANIELS
That’s the boss I remember. Does he mix his metaphors around you?
SLIPSTREAM
I can’t even tell.
DANIELS
Just let it all fly over your head, you’re better off.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
All right now. The point is, we’re making our way toward Stage Two, and I wanted to put you together with Mx. Slipstream here. The Moon is still of prime importance to my plans, and you two speak the Moon better than I could.
SLIPSTREAM
(after a moment)
Umm, so should I –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Just a minute. Darlin’, are you recording all of this?
RECEPTION BOT
All calls are currently recorded. If you would like to change this setting –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
No no, just mark this one down for transcription.
DANIELS
Wait, did he bring that robot with him all the way from Rio?
SLIPSTREAM
I guess.
DANIELS
Okay, that’s messed up, Ser.
SLIPSTREAM
It’s so far out of date! I don’t think it can even learn.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(sternly)
Getting back to the point here?
SLIPSTREAM
Right. So, umm … the rocket, you know about the rocket, the new one that is.
DANIELS
That’s the backup we’d started to put together?
SLIPSTREAM
There’s still a lot of work to do. The structure is okay, propulsion units have been installed – we had some ideas for a better thermal barrier coating, but apparently there’s not time this cycle for innovation –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
This has been discussed.
DANIELS
(sympathetic)
We had the same problem.
SLIPSTREAM
We’re working on a full retrofit of the guidance system, which was not designed for this – we’re really kitbashing this thing together – I think we can make it work, but it’s going to take some time.
DANIELS
Breaker’s heading that part up?
SLIPSTREAM
Right. They stuck around with, umm, our side.
DANIELS
Lucky thing, they’re the best. You’ve got all the reports from my go-round? All the test results?
SLIPSTREAM
That’s been really helpful. We can’t, umm, do much testing now until we’ve got fuel …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
That’s being worked on as well.
SLIPSTREAM
So that’s where we are right now.
DANIELS
I should be able to help with the fuel. The Ryders definitely owe me.
SLIPSTREAM
That would make a big difference.
DANIELS
(muttering to herself)
I had to burn everything I owned after that crossing.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Just so we keep making progress. We’re not the only ones with our eyes on the Moon. Or ears.
DANIELS
You’ve finally got the satellite thing figured out?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Not precisely.
SLIPSTREAM
Another archaic system, laser communication would be much more precise. But none of the megas ever wanted to put that much money into it …
DANIELS
That sounds so cool!
SLIPSTREAM
It is! You still need an intermediate module, but the wavelengths are a lot tighter, that lets you –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Regardless, we are working with the system that exists now. Communication is a high priority.
SLIPSTREAM
I’m surprised Payload hasn’t found a way in from that end by now.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Or Adlai.
SLIPSTREAM
(unsure about that)
… Right.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I think that covers most of the major points. Slipstream, I’m sure your team needs you. When you have further questions for Officer Daniels, you can coordinate those requests through me. Well, through my assistant.
SLIPSTREAM
The robot?
(they sigh)
Fine.
SOUND: They get up from their chair
RECEPTION BOT
Workgroup created. Adding Slipstream. Adding Officer Talor Daniels.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
There we go. I’ve been working on having them anticipate my needs. And you said they couldn’t learn.
SLIPSTREAM
Nice meeting you, Officer Daniels. I’ll uh … goodbye.
SOUND: Door opens; footsteps; door closes
OFFICER DANIELS
The robot? Really?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Never mind that; save your banter. Oh, stop call recording.
RECEPTION BOT
This call is no longer being recorded.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You haven’t heard anything at all from the Moon?
DANIELS
Who’s going to call me?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I told Adlai about the comms rig you gave your scientist on Base Theta. Assuming she didn’t blow the whole Base, it might still be an option.
DANIELS
And if she did? What’s your plan if they roll up and there’s nothing but a big hole in the … okay, the crater? Do they have enough supplies to keep going?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You know the answer to that. Supplies are the least of our problems.
DANIELS
You gave them the locations for your secret stashes?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I did not. But the bots I had you add to the rocket’s cargo were appropriately programmed.
DANIELS
That’s what those were for.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Among other things.
(he sighs)
Dammit, Daniels, we need the Moon if we’re going to keep this all together. I need to know who’s awake and alive and what side they’re playing on. And soon, before this whole tower I’m building falls apart.
DANIELS
I knew you’d bring it all back around to … was that Jenga?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I’m glad your report sounded confident before –
DANIELS
(overlapping)
I’m not sure that’s how I meant it to –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(continuing without a pause)
I need you to maintain that tone, I’m counting on you for a boost of morale within the team. I think I’m starting to lose them, I made some big promises and we could use a few more Xs in the win column.
DANIELS
You want me to travel the whole way back there?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Not exactly. But keep in contact, keep encouraging them. We need to keep on track.
(brief pause)
Those goddamn Xino-Leak reports put me back in the spotlight – we ought to keep an eye on that Barnett Bell, she knew my name – she knew my name! That’s all the megas need to put a bullseye on my back. They’re rebuilding, that means they could be getting ready to come after me.
DANIELS
They don’t know where you are, that should buy you some time.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
For now. Darlin’, I need you to run another Security scan. Physical and virtual.
RECEPTION BOT
Beginning a full scan of all environments.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Should have done that the minute Slipstream left the room. Where was I? Right, we’ve got to keep things together, and we have got to get established on the Moon.
DANIELS
All right, keep it together. You heard them, everything’s being worked on. We’ll get up there. And we know everyone who could have their eyes up that way.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Not everyone. I’ve got a source who’s running bot scans over Northern Africa, around where some of your Free Zone buddies were headed.
DANIELS
I thought you wanted to encourage that, as an extra distraction?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Not if it turns out we’re after the same property. Then I’ll send them straight to Jail, do not pass Go.
DANIELS
You forgot about the two hundred dollars.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
That’s where I need you to be headed. I need you back on the inside. When you talk to your friends in the Ryders, see how soon they can put you in that direction.
DANIELS
Ugh. I can already smell the packing crates.
SOUND: Office background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Lab background, late night (so perhaps a few less background sounds)
SOUND: A stool slides back a little
DR. JUST
(quietly, a bit tired)
All right … this was subject T-45, just stay still a moment …
SOUND: The little tardigrade noises from previous seasons – tardigradesounds.wav
DR. JUST
There, there. Now you’re …
(he yawns)
Pardon me … one hundred and thirty-two millimeters in length, and weight …
SOUND: A kitchen scale
DR. JUST
(note – pronunciation is “Bwah-so”)
One hundred five grams. Which is down by two point three from last week and I will be having a stern discussion with Dr. Boisseau. I don’t know why Ashwini hasn’t shut them down – of course, ze has made out very well in zir wagers. Maybe Jaxon could –
SOUND: A knock on the wall, the door sliding back
DR. RINGLING
Edwin?
DR. JUST
(gently)
Kris. Hello.
DR. RINGLING
I didn’t expect to find you in the old lab.
DR. JUST
That is just what I’m counting on. I’m keeping my test subjects sequestered from the rowdier elements among the Science crew. It was bad enough back when Doctor Day …
DR. RINGLING
(after the awkward pause)
She did spend a lot of time attempting to …
(Dr. Raptor)
“Cuddle the cuties.”
DR. JUST
(a bit uncomfortable with Dr. Raptor in this context)
Umm … yes. Indeed.
DR. RINGLING
But I’m not here for me. Doctor Just, another colleague has arrived, and they were hoping to …
SOUND: A few quick footsteps
DR. KASHYAP
(trying to keep things light, a bit uncertain)
Ta da!
DR. JUST
Andie? Andie! They didn’t tell me – I didn’t even know you were on the way –
DR. KASHYAP
That was completely my fault. I wanted to surprise you.
DR. JUST
You succeeded!
DR. KASHYAP
You don’t mind if I …
DR. JUST
Of course –
SOUND: A few footsteps and a crushing hug, both of them grunting a little at the force of it
DR. KASHYAP
(a bit muffled)
Goddamn you, Doctor Just. Edwin. Edwin.
DR. RINGLING
I’ll leave you two to catch up. Doctor Just can show you around from here. I’ll just …
SOUND: Bumping into a table, equipment clattering
DR. RINGLING
Bump into a workstation, I guess. I’ll, umm …
SOUND: Footsteps out into the hallway
DR. RINGLING
(almost too quiet to hear, as Dr. Raptor)
That was smooth, rawr.
DR. JUST
They’re … going through some things.
DR. KASHYAP
I got that. You two aren’t …
DR. JUST
Kris? No.
DR. KASHYAP
They are just your type.
DR. JUST
Not here … things are complicated enough as it is. Believe me.
SOUND: A stool sliding out
DR. JUST
Have a seat. I don’t even know where to start from! What to tell you or what to ask. It’s all … so, so much, Andie. I can’t even.
DR. KASHYAP
You? You can’t even? You know what I went through, how many times I tried to …
DR. JUST
I don’t! I didn’t even know you were awake until –
DR. KASHYAP
What do you mean you didn’t know – you haven’t listened to my messages? So many messages, Edwin, it was the only way I kept myself together –
DR. JUST
Andie, I didn’t get any messages. Nothing has been sent through.
DR. KASHYAP
I don’t believe it!
DR. JUST
What happened? Are you okay? Were you okay?
SOUND: A stool sliding back out, falling over
DR. KASHYAP
I don’t believe it! Goddamn Maria L’Anglois. Goddamn McGurk! Of course they didn’t send you anything. I’m going to … I can’t even … Arrgh! I thought you knew everything and I couldn’t understand why …
(absolutely overwhelmed and frustrated)
Where do I start? Where do I even try to start …
(a long, deep, heart-rending sigh)
DR. JUST
Oh, Andie.
(There is an extended pause.)
SOUND: Tardigrade noises
DR. KASHYAP
Oh my gosh. Edwin. That’s one of your test subjects?
DR. JUST
It is. Sorry, I can –
DR. KASHYAP
I know it’s not incredibly scientific, but … could I just … you don’t mind if I …
DR. JUST
Please, feel free.
SOUND: Tardigrade noises continue, softly, where they feel appropriate
DR. KASHYAP
Hi there. Aren’t you a perfect specimen of your phylum?
(after a moment, calmer again)
Their little squishing sounds are so soothing.
DR. JUST
(smiling)
I’ve noticed that as well.
(after a moment)
I’m so glad you’re here, Andie.
DR. KASHYAP
Me too. Edwin.
(brief pause)
There’s so much to say. Everything from what was in those messages, what’s been in my head since they woke me, this big Plan and getting here to Base Theta and Doctor Ringling told me about those other … Science Bros? I’ll put them in their place for you soon enough. But first I need to … I just need a minute so I can …
(after another extended pause, letting go for now)
I’m glad to be here, too.
SOUND: A few more little tardigrade noises to fill the silence before the scene ends
SOUND: Lab background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Danyelle Ellett, Evan Tess Murray, Becca Marcus, Corey Spruill, Serena Rahal, Tom Zalatnai, Dalia Ramahi, Leslie Gideon, D.J. Sylvis, Robin Howell, Glory Duda, Kristi Boulton, David S. Dear, Anjali Kunapaneni, and Dallas Wheatley.
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? So many of us started out in theatre, and that legacy lives on in Starfall, a fantasy audio drama about a travelling acting troupe and their unexpected adventures.
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’re shouting out Matt Daniels. Hi!
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.
