MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 8 – “Party Business”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
Moonbase Theta, Out – a Monkeyman Productions Podcast. Season 4, Episode 8 – “Party Business.”
INTRO
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
ANNOUNCER
The X-class flare occurred at four fifty-seven UTC from the solar magnetic active region AR12992, causing communications blackouts and satellite anomalies across much of the eastern hemisphere. According to Coalition Green – Space Sciences, the disturbance should die down within the next few hours.
(brief pause)
Of course, you might not be hearing our broadcast until that time, in which case, congratulations, you made it through! And speaking of congratulations … before we close out tonight’s broadcast, let’s welcome back reporter Barnett Bell from her weeks on assignment! Glad to have you back in the studio.
BARNETT BELL
Thank you. Glad to be here.
ANNOUNCER
We expected you a week ago!
BARNETT BELL
Yes, I’ll be filing on that for a future broadcast – travel between Enclaves is still being affected by the Zero Day disruptions.
ANNOUNCER
Good thing we can still depend on the Ryders in a pinch! That’s right, our “Spotlight Sponsor” for today and partners in –
BARNETT BELL
Which actually leads to another discovery from my … time on assignment, and another story coming soon. I’ll be delving into the history of GAC Hertz Ryder Transport – the origins of the most mobile corporation, and how the other megas became reliant on their –
ANNOUNCER
That may have to wait. I’ve been informed that for the next few weeks, we’re going to ask you to return to your award-winning “My Time on the Moon” series. Our listeners are dying to know just what those Moonbase crews had for breakfast!
BARNETT BELL
(under her breath)
Seriously, you’re going to –
ANNOUNCER
I’m assuming it all has something to do with cheese.
(They laugh; Barnett joins in falsely.)
BARNETT BELL
I’ll … get right to work on that.
ANNOUNCER
(fading out at the end)
We can’t wait. But for now, let’s get back to those sponsored messages …
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background; occasional keyboard sounds (Jaxon working)
SOUND: The return of the audio interpretation of the telescope feed from previous seasons, softly in the background – 204968__buss1000__lots-of-morse-code.wav
ASHWINI
(quietly, as much to zirself as anything)
All right. Isolate that and put it through the pipeline; I’ll examine individual images.
JAXON
(crooning to himself, also caught up in work)
Centripetal, centripetal, centripetal force …
ASHWINI
Reduce resolution to one data cube per frame.
JAXON
I don’t … that’s not supposed to be in my stack. That’s not … uhhhh.
(a finger snap or two)
ASHWINI
Everything all right, dear?
JAXON
It’s the supplements, they were supposed to be … there’s a report from Base Delta on the issues as we run low, and … chemical sources for alternatives –
ASHWINI
(pronunciation of the name below – “Bwah-so”)
I recall the one, I passed it along for Doctor Boisseau to pursue.
JAXON
They must have … passed it right back. Work to be done …
ASHWINI
(overlapping a bit)
I will destroy them.
(pausing for a moment)
Do you want me to? Destroy them?
JAXON
Yes, please.
(after a moment)
Your, umm … telescope feed is a little bit …
ASHWINI
Oh, yes. I forget sometimes. Array feed audio off. Would you like some music?
JAXON
Just … quiet, if that’s okay?
SOUND: With the feed off, we can hear quiet snoring in the background
ASHWINI
To the best of my abilities. Ah, the joys of parenting.
JAXON
It’s okay.
SOUND: Jaxon types rhythmically for a bit, then backspaces over all of it, another small stim
JAXON
I have to call Epsilon about their inventory, that’s on my list. And Delta, Beta … to be done, to be done …
ASHWINI
Shouldn’t that be managed by the L’Anglois siblings?
JAXON
It, umm … should be.
ASHWINI
That’s my assessment of the situation as well. We’re finally beginning to bring our house into order – Science Bros notwithstanding – but the other side appears to be more fragmented.
(he sighs)
Who’d have thought that was possible. Are you certain you don’t want to refurbish that Freehold rocket and escape to another world altogether?
JAXON
I don’t think I could pack up my kitchen.
ASHWINI
Fine, revolution it is.
(ze raises zir voice)
Tumnus, what news of the struggle?
TUMNUS
Oh, um hello … sorry, I’ve been a bit …
ASHWINI
We have all been a bit. But Jaxon insists that we continue to foster insurgency.
TUMNUS
(trying to laugh, things are definitely a lot for her right now)
Well … you’ve chosen the right word when you say, “struggle!” Maria is still … a lot, and she’s got lockouts and encryption running that’s a challenge even for this plucky AC. Michell assures me that’s just her way … but the more times he has to say that, the less certain he sounds. I’ve heard other people talking about it, too. It’s not that things aren’t happening, the Plan is still … Plan-ning, but …
(after a moment, brightly)
But, my little protégés are starting to open up a bit. It took some time to move beyond this loop where they kept asking each other for commands … it’s still really hard not to jump in and push them where I think they need to go.
ASHWINI
That is how I feel almost universally.
TUMNUS
I’m still working on my pieces of things, from both sides … I’m doing my part.
ASHWINI
You are allowed to have your own plans and projects.
JAXON
I still have my baking. Sometimes.
(after a moment)
Do you think that Michell is still, umm …
TUMNUS
Of course. I think so. I hope so.
JAXON
We’ve been … concerned, Michell and Maria, but who can we even talk to, who to send, if we …
(humming a little)
Centripetal force …
ASHWINI
Shouldn’t Wilder be back before long?
SOUND: A loud, intrusive, startling knock at the door
DR. SEMAAN
(who has been the one asleep on the cot the whole time, blearily)
What the hell?
TUMNUS
Oh! I thought you were Roger.
DR. SEMAAN
I’m gonna try not to take that as an insult.
SOUND: The knocking again
DR. SERANO
(muffled)
Doctor Ray, are you in there? Doctor Ray? I’m not sure what this ridiculous sign means, but you asked me to provide a report!
ASHWINI
What sign?
SOUND: Tumnus giggles, then the sound of the door sliding open
DR. SERANO
There’s a sign beside your door stating, “No admittance except on Party business.”
ASHWINI
Ah.
TUMNUS
That might have been me. Surprise! Doctor Serano, you’re supposed to bang on the sign with your walking stick!
DR. SEMAAN
If we’re doing Tolkien I definitely need some pipeweed.
DR. SERANO
So this is where you’ve been hiding.
DR. SEMAAN
My work is caught up, unless someone breaks through another wall. And you’re not the boss of me.
DR. SERANO
You’re certainly running a tight ship from this level.
ASHWINI
My apologies, Doctor Serano. I do appreciate you providing me with updates on the the work within the labs.
DR. SERANO
Yes, well … someone needs to pay attention, and Edwin is so distracted these days. Though I do appreciate how Doctor Kashyap has put the other young scientists in their place.
DR. SEMAAN
They do know how to kick ass!
DR. SERANO
(a bit of a smile)
Agreed.
(brief pause)
Edwin and myself have been assisting the medical team on Base Delta with their investigation into longer-term physical effects – Edwin, of course, having learned a great deal about cosmic radiation –
DR. SEMAAN
Are we all going to mutate into giants too?
DR. SERANO
Not as such.
DR. SEMAAN
Dammit!
DR. SERANO
The botanists are making some progress on those new hybrids Jaxon suggested; Doctor Ringling has been continuing some of the work that … the, umm, physics department had previously been investigating. And we all appreciate Doctor Semaan’s structural work in expanding our laboratory spaces.
DR. SEMAAN
You’re going soft on me!
ASHWINI
You haven’t mentioned our feckless Base chemist.
DR. SERANO
It sounds like I don’t need to.
ASHWINI
Indeed.
(after a moment)
Thank you again … Jules. On your return downstairs, could you ask Doctor Boisseau to report to me as well? At their earliest convenience.
DR. SERANO
My pleasure.
SOUND: A few footsteps, then suddenly we hear a rustling as Dr. Semaan struggles out of the cot
DR. SEMAAN
Wait, I’ll go with you!
SOUND: The door closing after them
DR. SEMAAN
(outside in the hallway)
Someone’s in trouuuuuuubleeeee ….
JAXON
(bashful)
You didn’t’ have to do that.
TUMNUS
Ze damn well did!
JAXON
I didn’t know you were still here.
TUMNUS
I’ve been jumping back and forth. But if we’re getting people in trouble, I’m 100 percent here. Do you want to know who hasn’t been putting their dishes in the washer?
JAXON
Work to be done, work to be done …
ASHWINI
That might not be helping.
TUMNUS
I’m sorry, Jaxon. Oh, another visitor approaches!
SOUND: Tumnus giggles; a moment later there’s a tentative knock
ADDIE
(muffled)
Uhh, is everything okay in there? Am I missing a party?
SOUND: Tumnus snickers; the door opens
JAXON
It’s a Tumnus prank.
TUMNUS
It’s a tribute!
ADDIE
Hey, that’s cool. I’m good with Tumnus. And pranks, let me tell you, I’ve got some stories.
There was this one time on Ceylon … never mind, you wouldn’t care about my antics.
ASHWINI
On the contrary, I’m always interested in antics.
ADDIE
Well … another time. Roger said I should stop by and give you an update. He’ll probably check up on me later, so I better stay on message.
JAXON
Is he getting somewhere with the network?
ADDIE
Yes and no. We’ve both been trying – I had some ideas on sweet-talking the Consortium encryption – but right now, we’re still just getting random broadcasts from Earth. Roger’s working with that unit from Doctor Day, but … there might be another option, that’s why I’m here. Another person with some new info that might get us in.
ASHWINI
(after a moment with nothing further)
And who is this other person? Do we get to know?
SOUND: A few quick footsteps
MCVETT
“What about very old friends?”
(when he’s not getting quite the expected reaction)
Sorry, the sign outside, I thought you were all doing a thing.
TUMNUS
You’re the first one to play along properly.
MCVETT
Ashwini, you old so and so. Jaxon! Jaxon, my friend! I’ve been pining away in the infirmary waiting for you to visit. Give an old man a fist bump!
SOUND: A few footsteps, a fist bump
JAXON
I’m sorry, Harold. Things have been … work to be done, work to be done …
MCVETT
I can imagine, I’ve been catching up, I’ve read all the logs. Quite an adventure you’ve been having since the shutdown! Which was just a week ago for me, it’s a lot to wrap your brain around.
(brief pause, a bit mournful, but keeping up the flow)
And our Nessa, that’s a tragic loss. But her Plan will live on – we talked many times about the Plan, she was going to leave things in my trust before my own early exit to a stasis pod. But she kept on doing good on her own! I can see it in the garden; the herbs never grew like that for me.
JAXON
I’ve tried to … it’s been hard to maintain, but I’ve –
MCVETT
No complaints here, friend – you’ve done wonderful work in her stead. And I stopped by the kitchen – your scones are still of excellent quality as well.
(Jaxon hums happily; McVett suddenly coughs.)
MCVETT
Still got some nanobots digging up that old oxidative burden. Done me a world of good, though. I believe your new artificial consciousness is to thank? We’ve only just met.
JAXON
Tumnus?
(after a beat)
She’s back and forth at the moment.
MCVETT
An impressive accomplishment, that one – kudos to you, Ashwini Ray!
ASHWINI
While I would delight in taking credit, Tumnus is her own great creation.
MCVETT
Of course, of course. I look forward to thanking her directly. When there’s time, of course – lots to do, lots going on, I can see that! Addie’s been catching me up on recent history as well.
ADDIE
I mean, the parts I know.
MCVETT
Of course those corporate fuckers sold us all out in the end. It’s what they do! They’ve got to be … okay, stopped might be a little bit optimistic, but we can still set “burn them to the ground” as our long-term goal, am I right? Viva la revolución!
(brief pause)
I’m glad to see the Moonbases getting with the program – we hoped that would happen a good while back! Now we need to plug you in with the cause back on Earth … which brings things back around to what I’m really here to talk about. Mind if I take a seat?
SOUND: A chair creaks as he plops down into it
SOUND: McVett clapping his hands together
MCVETT
So. Of course you know about the Freeholds, the infiltration of the Moonbase Project, the exodus plan back on Earth towards the NAC, the uplink to our secret satellite … admittedly, the satellite isn’t really active at the moment, but I have some ideas, I know a few tricks. Where did you want to begin?
SOUND: For a moment or two, all we hear are the various observatory noises in the background
MCVETT
Or wait … did you not know about any of that?
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 next “Spotlight Sponsor” is Chodorek Games The Interior, creator of fine role-playing products like “Burrowing” and “Planet X – The Sim”
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Moonbase Corridor Background (ongoing)
SOUND: Airlock cycling, Michell removing his helmet
VAL
(flirting just a bit)
Welcome back to Base Epsilon, monsieur!
MICHELL
Umm, thanks. Quartermaster – Mx. Narváez. Val.
VAL
Store that suit and come into the lounge, I’ll catch you up on the news. You’ve probably missed a few things, the way you’ve been running around!
SOUND: Rustling as he gets out of his suit
MICHELL
It’s been a lot. I was helping –
(grunts as he pulls off the suit)
Setting up the new diagnostic units you sent over to Delta – I’m supposed to tell you thanks for that –
VAL
(already walking away)
It was all just sitting in storage! I think Alpha was supposed to get it, as if they lacked for anything –
MICHELL
C’est bon, j’arrive! (Hold on, I’m coming!)
SOUND: Hurried footsteps as he follows
VAL
(closer again now as he follows)
But that’s a whole other story, and you’re not the only visitor to my Moonbase today! Guess who’s here?
SOUND: Corridor background ends; lounge background (ongoing)
ZHONG
Hey, boss!
MICHELL
Zhong! You made it back!
TRINA
I mean, I did most of the driving.
VAL
And Trina’s here! In non-robot form.
TRINA
Definitely a mammal. Hi, Michell.
MICHELL
Hi there.
(grunts a little)
TRINA
Nice grip. Yeah, we just rolled in this morning, still kicking off the dust. It’s good to be where the action is.
MICHELL
I guess things are still pretty slow down your way?
TRINA
Folks were starting to trickle in as we left.
ZHONG
Michell. Supervisor Andreev was there!
MICHELL
They woke him up? Better at the south pole, I guess. Nothing against your base, Trina.
TRINA
(matter of fact)
I know the reputation.
VAL
It is the base that’s shrouded in … “eternal darkness!” Which might not be such a bad thing.
MICHELL
Right.
VAL
I mean, considering. But Michell, mon ami, sit down! We have wine, the grapes were grown here, of course.
MICHELL
You drink a lot on this base, don’t you?
TRINA
(laughs)
It’s not just on this base.
MICHELL
They sent me to the wrong side of the Moon.
(he drinks)
It’s good to sit still after a day in the Rover.
ZHONG
After days! I still feel like I’m shaking.
TRINA
Try riding a drill unit through thirty klicks of tunnels, bucko.
MICHELL
No wonder you wanted a break. Whatever Maria’s got planned, I hope it keeps you above ground.
TRINA
(tone shifting, wary)
Yeah … that’s gonna be my next stop. Val asked if we could swing by here first.
VAL
There’s been a lot to talk about. Like I was saying, Michell, lots of news!
TRINA
Lots to get sorted out.
VAL
We’ve been integrating new people on every Base, waking up a little bit more – you know about that, Michell.
MICHELL
That’s all Tumnus, I just lift the lids and press a few buttons. Or Zhong even, he did it for you, Trina.
TRINA
Zhong’s a good guy.
ZHONG
You’re a good guy!
VAL
More and more people, Maria can’t be checking every one.
MICHELL
She sends me lists. I think she talks to Jaxon and they …
VAL
Not for a while, she hasn’t. Jaxon’s been talking to me lately. We’re comparing notes on staffing and supplements and food storage and looking for replacement parts – it’s always the hardest ones to replace –
ZHONG
And the hardest ones to fabricate.
VAL
We’ve been talking a lot, about what we need, ways we can move what we have around, people and things … I mean, I am the expert on things! I’m all about inventory.
SOUND: She puts her glass down forcefully
VAL
Which is why I’m so frustrated about those … goddamn supply stashes, you know? Everyone keeps asking, where are they, what’s stored there, why were they set up in the first place – I ought to know! I should always have known, and not knowing now is gonna drive me around the bend! This is my specialty, Michell! This is supposed to be my expertise.
MICHELL
Yeah, of course. I’ve been around the bases, I know we need things.
VAL
Tell your sister! She keeps saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.” I’m not so sure she doesn’t have her own people out looking already.
MICHELL
(unsure)
I don’t think so. She doesn’t even have that many people, not yet.
ZHONG
She doesn’t play well with others.
TRINA
That’s why I’m gonna have a talk with her. I know these Security types – no offense, Michell –
MICHELL
(behind her dialogue, unsure)
None taken …
TRINA
They’re easier to judge if you step up and look them in the eyes. There’s a lot I want to ask about – the Plan, the people, the stuff … what she thinks of the news coming up from Earth …
MICHELL
She’s not – we’re not talking to Earth yet? She’d tell me if we were talking to Earth.
VAL
We’re not talking to Earth. Not yet. Roger told me –
MICHELL
Wait, my Roger?
VAL
(teasing)
Oh, your Roger?
(serious again)
Nobody’s cracked the encryption for sending out messages, but they can pull in the occasional broadcast from Earth. Mostly news reports, but if you listen between the lines, you can learn quite a bit.
TRINA
There were some big shakeups a few months back between the megas. Some sort of full-on attack that hit everywhere at once … the stories say they’re rebuilding stronger than ever, but that’s what they’ve got to say, right? It might help us in the long run, when we wind up against them ourselves.
ZHONG
I don’t like the idea of taking on the megas.
TRINA
I don’t think this ends up any other way.
MICHELL
That’s what Maria’s assuming, too.
TRINA
She seems pretty ready for a fight.
VAL
She’s the type who was born ready.
MICHELL
Pretty close.
TRINA
So that’s all worth a face to face on Moonbase Gamma.
ZHONG
(muttering)
Watch out for the tripwires.
MICHELL
She does like a good face to face.
TRINA
And maybe it’ll keep her distracted for a while. The rest of us could use some wiggle room.
MICHELL
She’s not like a … it’s not like she’s really that …
VAL
Nobody thinks she’s really that, Michell. She’s just used to being in charge. I understand – I’m definitely in charge of my stuff here! But it can be … sometimes, a little too much. You know the best parts of your sister, but you know she can be too much?
(brief pause)
I’ve seen you work around her on a few things. You’re the one who came to us, who listened to Keegan’s story and made sure that was being taken seriously. You’ve been waking up people on your own – you can’t wait for Maria’s approval all the time.
MICHELL
She … okay, she gets a little behind.
VAL
There’s a lot to keep an eye on. More and more all the time.
MICHELL
It’s not like she’s really … in charge. Really. She just has … concerns, that’s all.
TRINA
But you were trained in Security, too. You know what you’re doing.
ZHONG
You didn’t need her when you made the calls back on Base Theta.
MICHELL
Okay, hold on a minute!
SOUND: He stands up and takes a few steps away
MICHELL
I do know what I’m doing. And I know what you’re trying to talk me into. I’m not … look, I know when she steps too far, but I’m not gonna help you cut my own sister out of the revolution. She’s got as much to fight for as anyone, and up to a few months ago, you would have been saying all the same things about both of us. Tu ne me connais pas vraiment. (You don’t really know me.)
(turning back to them, conflicted)
I can’t keep you from doing what you’re doing, but I can’t be a part of it.
VAL
I’m sorry. Nobody’s trying to … we’re just being careful. We’ve got everything to lose at this point.
MICHELL
Right. Yeah. Right.
TRINA
I mean, you could keep us from doing what we’re doing. Or at least, make it a lot harder. You could just … go tell her.
MICHELL
I wouldn’t … you know how she’d react to that.
TRINA
I’m guessing the same way she’d react to the stuff you’ve been doing. The extra revivals, and the secret calls to Tumnus. The code you’ve been installing on our servers as you hop from base to base.
MICHELL
What?
VAL
Tumnus asked me to keep an eye on things from my end.
TRINA
I’m not trying to threaten you, Michell. I’m just saying there’s a reason why you didn’t let her in on that to begin with. You were being careful; you wanted to wait and see. That’s all we’re doing. Asking you to wait with us, to wait and see.
MICHELL
I don’t know. I … maybe I can wait.
VAL
Thank you, Michell. You are a good guy.
MICHELL
Maybe.
SOUND: We hear him sit down and sigh
TRINA
(after a moment, decisively)
Whatever happens, we’re gonna need to find those supply stashes, if it means we pile in the Rovers and drive in a random direction every day until we fall into one.
ZHONG
There might be an easier way.
VAL
Like what?
ZHONG
You said you had all of the valuable things on this base tagged – could any of those have been shipped to the stashes?
VAL
It’s funny you ask. There was something, at least one something … but I’ve thought of that, I’ve tried that before, the tracking system doesn’t work outside the base where we installed it.
(The scene starts to slowly fade from here.)
ZHONG
That’s what I wanted to show you. What if we installed it … ugh, the schematics won’t come up. Give me a minute …
SOUND: Keyboard tapping for a bit in the background
TRINA
Thanks for hanging on, Michell. Hey, when we’re done with this, you want to play a game until bedtime?
SOUND: Lounge background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background (ongoing)
MCVETT
So that was the long and the short of it. We could see the writing on the Enclave walls – get it, because we were on the outside. The Freeholds were being targeted – if there’s hope, it’s on the Moon, so that’s where we needed some folks. I’m surprised I got in, to be honest – there was no hiding my background – but the folks in the Consortium liked the idea that they’d converted me. And I had a weakness – my reliance on certain herbals to manage my anxiety – so they thought they had me under control. Meant I was always under watch, as well, but that’s why we had Eddie, as well –
ROGER
I can’t believe that you mean Eddie. Eddie Eddie!
ADDIE
Roger – when did you get here?
ROGER
Hey, if you didn’t want me in your secret meeting, you should have said something when I snuck in the back.
(after the briefest pause, pronunciation is “Ree-zahl”)
Eddie Rizal, Freehold agent.
MCVETT
We don’t like the word agent. Try, “ambassador.” You did him a favour when you cut him loose, Bragado-Fischer – he landed right in the Administrator’s office.
ROGER
You’re welcome.
MCVETT
But back to the present and the point. I woke up, your Comms crew caught me up with the news to date – from Earth to the Moon and back again – and the current issue with signals only running one way. Which is when I said – and I might have gotten hopes a bit to high, so let me take this to the end before inflating yours. Your problem is with the satellite network, and that’s where we had a workaround.
(note – pronunciation is “Sow-teh-ree-uh”)
One we slipped in of our own, Satellite Soteria – a ringer inside the system, just like Eddie, just like me. We had our own rig to talk back and forth to Earth, our own channels, our own codes, and unlike the unfortunate Doctor Day I am awake and here with you, knowing how to use them … but again, before your hopes rise, one critical point. The rig works, our satellite is still out there and connecting when I call … but that is as far as I’ve been able to go.
ADDIE
None of his contacts back on Earth are picking up. We’re thinking it’s probably got to do with all that “Zero Day” stuff the news was going on about.
MCVETT
Unfortunate, but dead on. Thank you, Addie.
ASHWINI
So, this whole elaborate presentation was all for naught.
JAXON
It’s still … good to know there were other people, other plans. Other people, other plans …
ADDIE
Hold on to your Ryder trucks, fam. That’s not all.
ROGER
Theoretically, that’s not all.
MCVETT
Indeed. I said don’t inflate your hope, not that there’s no hope at all. I’m still able to take things a step beyond, which may have applications, may open up options … especially when combined with what Roger has been learning from the other secret rig. And I still have hopes that some of my … compatriots back on Earth may reach out, when they’ve settled in a safer spot.
(brief pause)
I’m here, and willing to put my countercultural experience to bear for the cause. The Plan. Experimentation is what my life’s about. You have … my sword. My bow. My axe.
JAXON
Other people, other plans … Roger, Addie, you think this might help?
ADDIE
It can’t hurt to give it a shot.
ROGER
I’m pretty sure it could hurt, if we’re revealed to the wrong people at the wrong time. But, it’s not like we’ve done any better on our own. And at least he’s not Eddie.
JAXON
Ashwini?
ASHWINI
“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
SOUND: Jaxon stands up, there’s a bit of bustling in the room as he speaks
JAXON
Okay, we should, umm, take a look at things. I’m making brownies, then we should make a few calls. Other people, other plans, other people, other plans …
ADDIE
I’m on board. What kind of brownies are we talking?
SOUND: Footsteps, the door sliding open as they go
MCVETT
(note – pronunciation below is “Two-san”; fading out as he exits)
Addie showed me the list of revivals on both sides – I’m gonna need to get in touch with Agriculturalist Toussaint on Base Epsilon … yes, I know, another one. You think we learned our skills inside the city walls?
SOUND: For a few moments, we hear the observatory machinery churning along
ASHWINI
(talking to zirself)
Galadriel. Absolutely Galadriel. This will change my entire fiction. But for now, let’s get back to reviewing those images.
SOUND: After a moment, we hear a slight shuffling sound, and Roger clearing his throat
ASHWINI
Oh. Roger. I thought you had gone. Feel free to use the cot.
ROGER
I just thought I’d sit for a while, if that’s okay. It’s here or … downstairs, your company has to be a tiny bit better for my mental health.
ASHWINI
That’s not a compliment I get often. Here, I’ll expand the display.
(under zir breath, as ze inspects the images)
Advance … move to X-axis 3141, adjust for Barycentric coordinates …
ROGER
Oh, wow. Would you look at that?
ASHWINI
That is the continuum emission of a newly discovered comet. When the data was captured, of course – by this time it’s passed beyond and is racing into the black.
ROGER
(a touch morbid)
Join the club, my elliptical friend.
ASHWINI
Indeed. How are things … progressing, with your … Alex?
ROGER
(surprised by the question)
They say he’s doing better. His body is taking over, the nanobots are doing less of the work. Still not … you know, I keep doing the kiss when nobody’s around but my Sleeping Beauty stays …
ASHWINI
I believe that I can … sympathize.
ROGER
That’s … thank you.
ASHWINI
(a bit embarrassed)
If nothing else, I appreciate the drama of your situation. And the kissing.
ROGER
(a bit snarky)
We’ve all noticed you have a fresh appreciation for kissing.
(softening)
Thank you, again.
ASHWINI
Moving to the next folder … advance, advance, advance.
ROGER
What causes those variations around Saturn?
ASHWINI
Plasma waves, propagated through the magnetosphere, striking and shearing and radiating out into the solar system.
ROGER
The patterns – they’re really fascinating.
ASHWINI
They truly are. We’d have to ask … well, Doctor Day would have been the best source for more information. Not that I’m less informed, mind you, but … it is an expansive universe.
ROGER
It is.
SOUND: Tapping of a few keys
ASHWINI
This is a projection, the waves radiating over time.
ROGER
They just seem to … pulse, over and over. Like sending a message.
ASHWINI
Has your extracurricular investigation ever brought you to the subject of the Interstellar Hum?
ROGER
Is this when you try to sell me on synthfunk again?
ASHWINI
Passing beyond the heliosphere, beyond the cacophony of solar winds into the more subtle interstellar space, there’s another form of plasmatic … communication, if you will, a faint but continuous background vibration between the stars. We didn’t even know it was there until we moved beyond our own sphere of influence and paused to hear.
ROGER
The metaphor seems a bit heavy-handed.
ASHWINI
No metaphor required, the hum exists, I simply thought you might find it interesting.
ROGER
I do. Whatever happens inside our bubble, it’s nice to know that the universe keeps on … humming.
SOUND: Perhaps a bit more subtle typing
(They sit in silence for another while.)
ROGER
And your other … work? Your previous plans before “The Plan,” your final focus. Are you still casting your line out into the void?
ASHWINI
I admit, I’m forced to spend more time looking inward … but I still compose new messages now and then, I continue reaching out. Even if it’s for myself more than the universe.
ROGER
That sounds relatable. Still, it’s good to hear – if you ever need my help again with the composing …
ASHWINI
I will let you know.
ROGER
And I mean … maybe I could take a few observatory shifts again? Stuff like this, help you organize the data?
ASHWINI
Aren’t you needed in Communications?
ROGER
Some, sure, but there’s Addie, and in my off hours …
ASHWINI
You seem to be sleeping here anyway. Fair enough.
ROGER
Okay, I’ll plan to … do that thing.
ASHWINI
As needed.
ROGER
(after another bit of a pause)
So, are you gonna explain this whole Tolkien thing that’s been going on? I mean, seriously. Sam? Samwise Gamgee? Sam, are you kidding me?
SOUND: Ashwini’s laughter, maybe a bit of Roger joining in; fading out as the scene ends
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Danyelle Ellett, Evan Tess Murray, Leeman Kessler, Rissa Montañez, Jen Ponton, Cole Burkhardt, Tau Zaman, Shereen Lani Younes, Hazel Stapp, Steven LaFond, Journee LaFond, NayMyo Win, and Alicia Atkins.
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? Looking for some great queer romance? Give a listen to Hand in Glove, a story set in the world of professional baseball.
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 extra special shoutout is for Jeffrey Chaney.
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.
