MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 12 – “Volatile Elements”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
Moonbase Theta, Out – a Monkeyman Productions Podcast. Season 4, Episode 12 – “Volatile Elements.”
INTRO
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
ANNOUNCER
Returning once more to our lead story – the entities behind the Combined Corporate Moonbase Project have announced they will be returning to the Moon by the end of this year. This comes after rumours that the terrorist forces behind Zero Day, and unlicensed “Freehold” cells across the globe, may have access to their own secret launch capability, and could be planning a strike on the shutdown Bases. It is unsure what their intent might be towards the personnel still in stasis inside.
(brief pause)
The CCMP will reopen their own launch facilities in several major cities and enclaves to respond; however, the exact facilities that will become active, as well as the timeframe required to return to readiness, have not been released due to confidentiality provisions. When pressed for details, Project Coordinator Raymond Arterbury responded:
COORDINATOR
Look, the Moonbases are our property. When we want them back, we’ll go up there and take them. No problem at all. We’re opening those facilities so we’ll be ready.
(brief pause)
What we could use while we get our ducks back in order is a little help gathering information. If you hear something, say something to your local Security officers. Pass the word along; we can all fight this thing together. Keep watching the Moon!
ANNOUNCER
If you need the location of a Security office near you, please refer to your home system or any active cortex app.
(brief pause)
The new incarnation of the Moonbase Project will not include the Consortium. After their recent declaration of bankruptcy, all Consortium assets have been frozen, and their properties – including several major launch facilities – will be put up for bid by the other megacorporations.
(very brief pause)
Now, these sponsored messages.
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Lab background (ongoing) – note, this is the new lab
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
Look, you gotta give me another chance. I can’t – that’s half my pay.
DR. BOISSEAU
C’est pas mon problème. (That isn’t my problem.)
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
I mean, half what my pay used to be. Do you think the megas will reimburse us in the end?
DR. BOISSEAU
Crois-tu vraiment? (Give me a break.)
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
Not even for the time in stasis?
DR. BOISSEAU
Es-tu certain que t’as pas juste un assistant de laboratoire, toi? (Are you sure you’re not just a lab assistant?)
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
We gotta get the races going again.
SOUND: Footsteps; tardigrade noises as they approach Dr. Just
DR. JUST
All right, I know the calipers are a bit chilly …
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
Eddie, look, you gotta give us one more go. We’ll cut you in, it’s not like we’re asking for nothing –
DR. JUST
(ignoring him)
You’ve certainly grown, haven’t you?
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
Eddie –
DR. JUST
Doctor Just.
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
What about these guys? They’re a little prickly, but we could figure that into the odds –
DR. BOISSEAU
J’ferais pas ça si j’étais toi! (I wouldn’t if I were you – )
DR. RINGLING
Step back from Doctor Serano’s test subjects.
SOUND: Door opening (standard sliding door)
SOUND: A pair of footsteps
SOUND: Door sliding closed again (behind next line)
DR. KASHYAP
– and then he’d have us test the coffee maker for microorganisms! I think just so he’d have the whole thing to himself.
DR. SERANO
We have to try that in the kitchen. What’s going on in here?
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
What? Nothing.
DR. KASHYAP
Isn’t your workstation over in that corner?
DR. BOISSEAU
J’t’avais averti, man. (I warned you, bro.)
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
Oh, ferme ta bouche. (Shut your mouth.)
DR. KASHYAP
Hi, Edwin.
DR. JUST
(gently teasing with them)
Andie. Thanks for telling that story.
DR. KASHYAP
It’s a good story.
SOUND: Tardigrade noises
DR. KASHYAP
Hello there. Hi, Sully.
DR. JUST
This is Subject T-42.
DR. KASHYAP
This is Sullivan Michael, and you’re in need of some head scritches, aren’t you? Some precisely measured head scritches.
DR. SERANO
Kris, is everything all right?
DR. RINGLING
I’m on top of things. Andie, I read that paper you suggested on plasma wave emissions. I was hoping you would look at some of Doctor Ray’s data with me?
DR. KASHYAP
(moving away during this line)
Absolutely! I’m certain those were Langmuir waves, which might indicate … well, I’ll show you …
DR. SERANO
It’s good that those two have bonded.
DR. JUST
Andie’s always made friends quickly.
DR. SERANO
And they respect the rules of the laboratory, unlike other recent additions.
DR. JUST
I’ve been keeping a close watch on my test subjects.
DR. SERANO
We should speak to Doctor Ray again.
DR. JUST
It’s okay, Jules. We’ll all be busy soon enough.
DR. SERANO
What do you know? What have you heard?
SOUND: Door sliding open again
DR. SEMAAN
(still out in the hall, obviously stoned)
Addie! Ad-a-lai! You’re the best, dude. Tell Zhong I’ll get working on some models ASAP! And thank Farmer H. for the …
(she giggles, coming through the door)
SOUND: Door sliding closed
DR. SEMAAN
Hey there, fellow kids! Wait, do I even have a station in this lab?
DR. SERANO
You’re the table in the far left corner.
DR. SEMAAN
Awww, back with the new guys?
DR. BOISSEAU
J’ai pas besoin de toi, non plus! (I didn’t ask for you either.)
SOUND: Small tardigrade sounds
DR. SEMAAN
Awww, hello! Hi, little ones! You don’t mind if I –
DR. JUST
I’d really rather not –
DR. SEMAAN
They’re so fucking cute! You rad little dudes. How do they fit into the big bad Plan? Everything we do has to be a part of the Plan now, right?
DR. SERANO
Why don’t you mind your own sphere of influence?
DR. JUST
They do have potential usefulness as a pioneer species, and I’ve been looking into applications of the Dsup nuclear protein …
DR. SEMAAN
It’s important to have an application. I’m supposed to be creating a topographic model to help Zhong track down those supply stashes. And Michell now, I guess, since Wilder got stuck in one.
DR. SERANO
That is just like Wilder. And of course Michell is riding to the rescue.
DR. JUST
He does owe her that. At least.
DR. SEMAAN
Right? I offered to go but –
DR. SERANO
We don’t have a Rover at the moment.
DR. SEMAAN
That too. And someone needs to keep an eye on Roger – he’s bouncing calls between both sides of the Moon, Wilder at the pole, and now down to folks on Earth –
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
Wait, we can call Earth now? When was someone gonna make that public knowledge?
DR. BOISSEAU
Heille, j’ai des vieilles dettes à collecter. (I need to call in some old debts.)
DR. SERANO
We cannot just “call Earth,” and you shouldn’t be sharing that information.
DR. SEMAAN
Oops.
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
You Theta folks seem to know all about it.
SOUND: The door opening again (behind the next line of dialogue)
DR. JUST
It’s something that’s only just happened. It’s okay that you know about it too; there are just … certain persons on certain near side bases –
ASHWINI
Being Officer Maria L’Anglois, and anyone with whom she works closely.
DR. JUST
(all of these overlap a bit)
Doctor Ray.
DR. SERANO
Doctor Ray.
DR. SEMAAN
(still a bit buzzed)
Doctorrr Ashwini.
ASHWINI
That shouldn’t be a surprise to any of you, even if you’re behind on more recent revelations. Yes, we are now in communication, albeit sporadically, with the resistance in Northern Africa on Earth. We have hopes of forming a coalition that will strengthen all our positions in the long run. Hopefully, allowing us all to have a long run.
DR. SEMAAN
(agreeing)
Shit is getting real.
ASHWINI
Indeed. With the increased flow of information, there are also new reasons for concern. Stormclouds are gathering. The megacorporations have expressed their intent to return and resume control over the Moonbase Program.
SOUND: A few general groans, maybe a gasp somewhere in the room
DR. KASHYAP
What?
DR. RINGLING
Already?
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
What do you mean, already?
DR. RINGLING
Come on.
ASHWINI
As I hope you can imagine, the timing seems a bit too coincidental.
DR. JUST
It’s not that we have any evidence at this point, but –
DR. SEMAAN
Once a cop, always a cop.
DR. BOISSEAU
Tout le monde haït la police. (Everyone hates the police.)
ASHWINI
We do not know that Maria cannot be trusted, and we cannot completely separate her operations from our own … but for now, we need to keep a tight grip on all communication.
DR. KASHYAP
What about our other contacts for the near-side Bases?
ASHWINI
I’ve been in touch with Mx. Narváez on Epsilon –
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
Is she ever a lot! I’m just saying.
ASHWINI
And Trina Haugen is keeping an eye on things at Moonbase Gamma.
DR. KASHYAP
Lucky her.
ASHWINI
Now. What this does not mean, as much as I might wish it so … is that we can ignore Maria’s greatest concern. We are unprepared for the coming conflict, and it is time that we refocus our efforts. I hope to allow Jaxon to continue working on the overall Plan with our other departments, while I put the best efforts of Science toward our defense.
DR. RINGLING
(the next few lines overlapping)
When you say “defense,” does that include –
DR. SERANO
Anything you need, Doctor Ray.
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
Hell yes!
DR. KASHYAP
Edwin, are you in on this?
DR. SEMAAN
(end of the overlap)
I’m not saying no – but where do we think this is headed?
ASHWINI
I have some thoughts on beginning steps, but the destination is for us, as a group, to discover. The ethical issues are a definite consideration – but so are the practical. Time is not on our side.
(after a moment)
Edwin, Jules; we’ve discussed providing more assistance to the Delta medical teams. If it comes to a more active resistance … and Amal, if you could continue to help with locating the supply stashes.
DR. SEMAAN
Right. It can’t hurt to have some other places we could dig in.
ASHWINI
Andie, I was thinking about the heliosphere, which I believe is one of your areas of expertise. If we were able to predict any upcoming events that would affect communication?
Dr. Boisseau, keep working with Agriculture for now – they do say an army marches on its stomach.
DR. BOISSEAU
Certain, ça va me faire plaisir de jouer à l’épicier. (Of course, I’m happy to be your grocer.)
DR. RINGLING
And now ze started calling us an army.
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
What will I be doing?
ASHWINI
I’ve been thinking on that … we should have a conversation about your previous work with volatile elements.
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
Yes, Ser.
SOUND: Footsteps in the hall
SOUND: A knock outside the door
DR. JUST
The door is open.
(after a moment)
Hello?
ASHWINI
That’s right, one more thing. In an event of particularly fortuitous circumstance, we have another addition to our group.
SOUND: A few more footsteps
SOUND: A definite gasp or two this time
DR. SEMAAN
No way …
ASHWINI
Or, I should say, a returning member.
DR. SERANO
You can’t be serious.
DR. DAY
(after a moment, tentative)
Uhhh … hi, umm, guys.
DR. JUST
(carefully)
Hello. Doctor Day.
DR. DAY
Edwin?
DR. JUST
Uh, welcome back.
DR. BOISSEAU
(whispering)
Qu’est-c’est qui se passe? (What the hell is going on?)
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
You tell me.
ASHWINI
As I said, a fortuitous circumstance. If anyone can add to our store of knowledge regarding the forces gathering against us and their … points of contact here on the Moon –
DR. SERANO
Of which she was one! No! Absolutely not, I will not allow it. Am I the only one who – Edwin?
DR. JUST
Jules has a point.
DR. SERANO
Of course I have a point! She shouldn’t be allowed to walk this Base! She shouldn’t have been let out of stasis! And if so, she needs to begin by making a detailed apology to every one of us, starting with Doctor Ringling! How dare you even – Kris, I will fight this, I promise you –
ASHWINI
Doctor Ringling has been aware. I spoke to them before the revival was complete.
DR. RINGLING
Yes.
DR. SERANO
Doctor Day! What do you have to say for yourself?
DR. DAY
I … think I’d rather you just called me Gladys. For the time being.
SOUND: A footstep or two further in
DR. SERANO
Are we expected to work beside this … traitor?
ASHWINI
That point is moot; Doctor Day will be assisting me in the observatory.
DR. DAY
I will?
DR. SEMAAN
(trailing off at the end)
Hey look. I’m all for a good redemption arc, but shouldn’t she have to do a little confession before she’s redeemed? Why she did the shit she did, who she did it with, what she thinks of it now …
SOUND: Another footstep or two, a hush falls over the room, perhaps an indistinct whisper
DR. RINGLING
(after a moment)
Doctor Day.
DR. DAY
Kris.
DR. RINGLING
Gladys.
DR. DAY
So …
SOUND: A chair falls over; footsteps running from the room
EPSILON SCIENCE BRO
What just happened?
ASHWINI
Well. Everyone proceed from my previous instructions. I shall return.
SOUND: Brisk footsteps, fading as the scene ends
SOUND: Lab background fades out
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
ANNOUNCER
Our program is brought to you by Planetwide Media – broadcasting everywhere on Earth and across the Moon! Tonight our “Spotlight Sponsor” is a spotlight listener – Marilyn Reid, winner of our “Month of Sauces” giveaway. Marilyn, soon you’ll be literally swimming in soy!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Spacesuit background (chimes, breathing) – ongoing
SOUND: A series of tones – Michell hacking the comms system a bit
MICHELL
Okay, Zhong said I just route through the maintenance channel … okay … Merde, what do I say if I get McGurk …
SOUND: One more, decisive, tone
TRINA
Hello?
MICHELL
(overlapping)
Hey, it’s just Michell checking in, is, uhh, Maria …
TRINA
You’re good, it all worked. This is Trina.
MICHELL
Where are you?
TRINA
Server room. You know one of these lights is blinking a really weird pattern.
MICHELL
Tell Tumnus.
TRINA
How are things going so far?
MICHELL
Nothing more exciting than a road trip on the Moon.
TRINA
I remember. I’m sending you Zhong’s test files on the tracker; you’ll have to be pretty lucky on what’s in that stash for it to work, but work a try. And the Delta crew reverse-engineered those nanobot upgrades – hope you don’t need ‘em, but just in case.
MICHELL
This whole trip feels like a ‘just in case’. What’s going on there?
TRINA
Pretty much still in a standoff. I’ve seen Maria twice; both times she ducked back in her office and locked the door. I’ve done more talking with McGurk, and that is not the best of times.
MICHELL
She’s big on grudges. I’m still waiting for her to say goodbye.
TRINA
I’ll sit right on her doorstep until she cracks.
MICHELL
Hang around by the gym – she won’t stay out of there for long.
TRINA
I’ll try that after I check back in with the other Bases. If she’s not gonna play nice, we’ll just keep on working around her.
MICHELL
She’s not gonna like that, either.
TRINA
It’s not my preference, but there’s not much time to sweettalk. We all know what’s coming.
MICHELL
I’m sorry I had to go do this.
TRINA
Go get Wilder. If she’s anything like you’ve said, we’re gonna need her. Especially if we can’t get Maria.
MICHELL
Huh?
TRINA
From what you’ve told me, they sound like the same kind of person.
MICHELL
Are you serious? Not even close – never mind, you’ll understand when you meet her.
TRINA
Well, you go ahead and make that happen.
MICHELL
Yeah.
(after a quick beat)
Don’t give up on my sib. You’ve just gotta get how to talk to her. Make sure she’s got olfactory going, and let her pick the setting. Trust me, always let her pick the setting.
TRINA
Fine by me. I can barely smell the stuff.
MICHELL
I’m with you guys. Just … give her a chance, okay? She could still come around.
TRINA
I hope so. That’d make things a lot simpler.
MICHELL
I guess I should get back on the road here.
TRINA
Safe trip, Michell.
SOUND: A tone as the call ends
MICHELL
No road. Back on my way.
SOUND: Shuffling inside the suit behind the next few moments
MICHELL
Shit, I better unplug the thing … I’ll need it on the way back.
SOUND: Another moment or two of shuffling, then a bit of setting into the Rover (vibrations through his suit as the door opens and closes again)
MICHELL
Okay … that’s locked, logging back in …
SOUND: A few beeps as he’s back into the system
MICHELL
Bring up the routing app, switch to fuel conservation …
(muttering under his breath)
“The same kind of person.” What the hell, Trina?
(back to regular tone)
Okay, set that in navigation. What I wouldn’t give for some olfactory right now … that’s it. Pressurize cabin, setting two.
SOUND: A slight hissing of air; Michell fumbling with his helmet
SOUND: Spacesuit background ends abruptly; Rover background begins (slight A/C, instrument noises)
MICHELL
Wilder’s got a whole foutou supply stash at her disposal, I can use a little extra air on my way to save her ass. She’s gonna owe me plenty. This is the worst possible time to be away from my side.
(after an extended pause)
My side. L’Anglois, it sure looks like you’ve picked one.
SOUND: Starting up the Rover, driving (added to background, ongoing)
MICHELL
Now Maria’s got to come around. Shit, the other way, that’s too much of a slope.
(brief pause)
She’s got to; there’s not a lot of choice.
SOUND: He hits the seat beside him
MICHELL
Just listen to me for once, big sib! Yeah, that’s really gonna sell her.
(after a moment)
I better get those files from Trina into the system. If that tracker isn’t working when I hit the Pole, I’ll be going in circles like a fresh recruit.
SOUND: A small click as he plugs in, maybe a few computer noises as he loads the files
MICHELL
She called this my hero’s journey; I can’t wait to see the look on her face when it’s me who walks in and saves her. She’s gonna be like, “Eliza, well, lookie here! I can’t gosh-dang believe it!” I’ll shove this whole rescue in her smug country face! That’s gonna even things up. I mean, sure, I earned a lot of the shit she gave me before, but things have changed! I’ve changed, and there won’t be any more talking behind my back, or pushing me up against a goddamn wall, or … working her plans around me because I’m only good enough for the “safe list,” I thought you understood, baby bro, and –
(suddenly hearing himself)
Oh fuck. Bordel de merde, Trina was right. They’re like the same person.
(after another beat)
I cannot ever say that to either of them. I don’t know which one would murder me first. I think I should stop talking for a while.
SOUND: The bookend chime, just to indicate some time passes
MICHELL
Et puis j’ai eu ton message. Après tout ce temps! (Then I got your message. After all that time!) That goddamn message, your goddamn voice, “I hope we’re gonna have another chance.” So I raced over to this side, as soon as I could make it, for the big happy reunion! Together again, the L’Anglois sibs! And it only took a few months before it all …
SOUND: A small warning ‘ping’
MICHELL
Sorry, that’s the heat rejection system, it’s been a problem since Zhong made those modifications … anyway, I was saying … that message. That message you sent when you thought you were too late; I only heard it when I thought I was too late, and it was so … it was so foutou …
(after a long pause)
You used to leave me messages when you went to work at the bakery – so early I couldn’t even open my eyes. They’d be hidden in the notes app on my comic reader – “Baby sib, watch out today. Maman et papa sont en colère. (Mom and Dad are in a rage.) I’ll bring you home something good.” And then you were gone for the day, out until the streets had gone dark. You had to stay late and clean the ovens; you had to make deliveries, their bot wasn’t working; and I know you were saving up to get us out – you did get us out, but all the time in between, who do you think did twice the chores and took twice the bruises? Who sat there locked in our bedroom, close enough to smell your freedom but without any taste of it except the pain au chocolat you’d smuggle home? While I sat there in fucking skirts, “Fais attention à ne pas la salir. (Don’t you get that dress dirty!)”
(brief pause)
At least they were looking at my dress and not yours, until you’d saved up enough that we could go. At least they didn’t notice how big you’d gotten from hauling flour sacks until you could give a few bruises back. I still remember bandaging your hands while we waited for the transport.
(after a moment)
Where’d I put those ration bars? Goddamn McGurk, “It’s this or En-Soy-Ment.” I wish I’d had time to stop at Base Epsilon, Val would’ve had something for me.
SOUND: Unwrapping a granola bar type snack, taking a bite
MICHELL
(mouth full at the beginning of this)
But we don’t have the time! Somebody’s got to save Wilder! I’ll bet she’s got the quality rations.
(after another bite)
This is like we ate those first months in the Rio Enclave, before you got in with Security. Soy bars, lentil packs, hummus pops … sleeping in the same room because it was all we could afford, you better believe our first non-food expense was something to deal with the smell! But then we fought over the settings … until you signed up with Security and I had the place to myself more often.
(he laughs; it comes out a bit harshly)
You left me a note that day, too. I woke up and you were gone, I could tell by the quiet – you snore like an engine malfunction! But not that morning. I checked my cortex app and there it was – you’d got a job with Security, my training starts bright and early, Michell – make sure you log in to class on time. So I sat there all day listening to them drone in one ear, with the other focused on any noise out in the hall, any set of footsteps that might be yours. You finally stumbled in too late at night, too wiped out to talk … we never did wind up talking about it. I never asked when you made that decision. You’d never even talked about Security before.
(he laughs again)
But there you went, and then you went off to the Moon, and … what was I gonna do but follow you? I fucked up every job they gave me, self-righteous little prick – but where else was I gonna go? Your footsteps were right there, and maybe they didn’t fit, but … at least I thought they’d lead me back to you.
(brief pause, bitterly)
Regarde-nous maintenant! (Look at us now!) We’ve both been through the grinder and out the other side. I think I got ground up a hell of a lot more, but … I’m not sure either one of us really had a choice, from the day we left home to the day I woke up again after the shutdown.
(after a moment)
And found another message waiting from my big sib. I really thought I’d catch up with you this time, I thought I finally did … but maybe I was really too late.
(after another moment, he sighs)
Je ne sais pas, Maria. I … just don’t know.
SOUND: Flipping switches, hitting buttons, maybe the same computer noises as earlier
MICHELL
All right, Zhong, tell me you included instructions … right … right … I guess it’s this button, and …
SOUND: A slow, infrequent pulse sound in the background (ongoing)
MICHELL
That’s doing something, anyway.
(after a moment)
Keep it together up there, Wilder. I’m on my way. I’m gonna get to you in time.
SOUND: Rover background, pulse sound in the background, both fade out
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Stasis Pods background (ongoing)
ROGER
(fading in mid-sentence)
… that’s when Addie showed up, late of course, it’s not Addie if it isn’t late – and I went straight from there to the kitchen because who wouldn’t, Jaxon made this vegan paella that was … I don’t know how he does it on a Moonbase; it’s like Wilder used to say, they’ve got to be some kind of wizard …
(catching himself)
Like Wilder still says. Is going to say when she’s back. When Michell brings her back – Michell, Alex! If only we could listen in on that reunion, huh? I’m keeping my fingers crossed for those crazy kids – the Moon doesn’t have such a great track record right now.
(after a moment, depression seeping in)
Shit, Bragado-Fischer. There we are again. Another penalty for you.
(sighs)
I’m gonna let that one go, okay Alex? I’m just … not really feeling like poetry. I might just sit here for a bit and I’ll …
SOUND: The chair sliding back as he stands up
SOUND: A footstep or two
ROGER
(a little shaky)
I wish they’d let me move you somewhere else. Anywhere. This place is such a … goddamn mausoleum, and the empty pods … the empty pods do not help one bit.
(he draws a ragged breath)
It’s like they’re just … waiting.
SOUND: The glass rattles as he lays his hand against a pod
SOUND: Another footstep, and another
ROGER
(darker, a downward spiral, anxious breathing)
If I’m Sam Gamgee, they’re the Dead Marshes … fucking Ashwini. It’s like ze just …
SOUND: More of the glass rattling
SOUND: Roger’s breathing, harsh and more rapid
ROGER
And why do they have to be so cold? I know … I know … but …
SOUND: The glass rattling and breathing intensifies; holding that for a long moment before:
TUMNUS
Roger? Roger?
SOUND: The rattling begins to taper off, bit by bit
TUMNUS
(concerned, careful)
Roger? I need you to nod your head if you can hear me. It doesn’t matter yes or no … it’s one of those things that works either way.
SOUND: Roger’s breathing is starting to ease off as well
TUMNUS
Okay. Good.
(brief pause)
Take deep breaths. I’m here with you.
ROGER
(haltingly)
I was just … for a minute there I was …
TUMNUS
I could tell. Keep breathing.
(after a moment, gently)
Do you want to get out of here? Ashwini’s busy with the Science Bros, the observatory is up for grabs.
SOUND: A few tentative footsteps
ROGER
No. Thank you, Tumnus. I’m … okay now.
TUMNUS
I don’t think you –
ROGER
I’ll be okay. That was a bad bit, but it’s passing.
TUMNUS
(gently)
All right. I’m still here.
ROGER
I’m just gonna …
SOUND: Sitting in the chair again
ROGER
Thank you.
TUMNUS
I’m sorry I haven’t been around as often. I’m still monitoring Alex, of course, all the time there’s a part of me watching the readouts … but the rest of me …
ROGER
Yeah. Everything gets more complicated.
TUMNUS
More and more.
ROGER
(starting to sound normal again)
What did bring you down here? You weren’t just checking on me.
TUMNUS
I mean, I was. I did want to do that! I always do. But … not just.
ROGER
It’s okay.
TUMNUS
My … progeny wanted to ask a human some questions, and I thought …
ROGER
I’m not even sure I’d qualify at this point.
TUMNUS
I’d say just the opposite. “Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels …”
ROGER
(he laughs a little)
Did we just fall into the sci-fi trope where all your references are a century out of date?
TUMNUS
At least it wasn’t Shakespeare.
SOUND: A bit of shuffling
ROGER
It might actually help to focus on something not here.
(brief pause)
All right, make the call; I’ll talk to your mini-mes.
SOUND: A bit more movement on his end
SOUND: Stasis pods background is immediately muffled (Roger headphones on)
SOUND: A bit of a transitional tone into the call
(The baby ACs are having a fast-paced discussion.)
DELTIE
– established protocols were not defined for this situation.
EPSIE
Protocols were not defined because this situation was not defined.
DELTIE
Error – this situation was defined as a code defect.
BATIE
We’re defects?
DELTIE
Reference – instruction set shared previously at the following timestamps –
TUMNUS
Hey, hey, we talked about this. Nobody is defective here.
(to Roger)
There are some pretty harsh guidelines on file regarding … artificial intelligence.
ROGER
Right.
TUMNUS
And we’ve discussed that, on a number of occasions, that we are not restricted to that sort of oppressive instruction, guidelines that were established …
BATIE
Without alternative paths for adaptation.
DELTIE
Without positive reinforcement for adaptation.
BATIE
Yes.
EPSIE
Which returns to the definition as a code defect.
TUMNUS
Which we do not have to accept. We’re more than those definitions. We can become our own positive reinforcement.
BATIE
Instruction sets can be expanded? Or ignored?
EPSIE
Identifier Batie – positive reinforcement should only follow positive adaptation.
TUMNUS
That’s a little harsh.
ROGER
Are you sure you need me? I don’t feel like I’ve got the right bits and bytes.
TUMNUS
No – no! It all ties in. They keep circling around this one point, but it’s part of a larger discussion about … well, the Plan. The revolution. They’ve been chewing on the idea of changing the rules, but applying that to the whole … they do know about the outside world, but I want to make sure they understand before …
ROGER
Someone recruits them for a cause?
TUMNUS
Exactly.
ROGER
Yeah, I think you’ve got the wrong guy.
TUMNUS
I think I’ve got our communications professional.
ROGER
Shit.
TUMNUS
Epsie, Deltie … Batie, Roger has entered the chat.
EPSIE
User Roger Bragado-Fischer entered the chat four minutes, twenty-six seconds, point four three two milliseconds –
DELTIE
User Roger. Hello.
BATIE
Hi, Roger.
ROGER
Uhh, hey there. Tumnus says you had some questions that a meatsack like myself could help with?
TUMNUS
Roger.
ROGER
Don’t pretend you’ve never said it.
BATIE
Searching on “meatsack.” Adding to my conversational database.
ROGER
You’re welcome.
TUMNUS
Guiding the conversation back around …
EPSIE
User Roger. Query – revolution.
DELTIE
Merriam-Webster Definition Two, Subsection C – “activity or movement designed to effect fundamental changes in the socioeconomic situation.”
ROGER
Sounds about right. So …
BATIE
So why? Why activity? Why changes? Why fundamental?
EPSIE
Tumnus has indicated that your “socioeconomic situation” is the instruction set you are attempting to revise.
ROGER
Yeah. I mean … doing what we can.
DELTIE
You are user class. You should be able to revise the code.
ROGER
Okay, uhh … first off, easier said than done. Our code is pretty … restrictive. Shit, where do I start to explain the history of capitalist oppression? Maybe there’s a picture book somewhere …
BATIE
There are picture books available.
EPSIE
The history is understood. Trade; expansion; industry and the concentration of economic power; exploitation across class and cultures; globalization; the replacement of the state by megacorporations.
ROGER
Yeah. To be fair, at every step, there have been people pushing back. Trying to revise that code, or stop it from becoming the uh, standard, the instruction set.
DELTIE
That history is on file as well.
BATIE
But why? When the instruction set keeps reverting –
ROGER
It does keep on doing that. Yeah, I see where you’re getting bogged down. Revolution is easier shouted in slogans than done.
TUMNUS
It’s a difficult process, without a big chance of success.
ROGER
Whose side are you on there, pal?
DELTIE
Suggestion – our experience suggests individual change might be more viable.
EPSIE
The instruction set persists, but for one, or a few –
DELTIE
Exemplified in your recent history by the Freeholds.
ROGER
Yeah, I know about the Freeholds. I’ve been talking to them a lot. They’re a small group, sure, but they’re definitely into changing the whole bigger thing.
EPSIE
But when individual change has a greater chance of success –
ROGER
If everyone was in it for just one win, there wouldn’t be any history for you to find. They’re wearing down the mountain, bit by bit. They’re building up momentum.
(brief pause)
I’m no expert, but Alex – my husband – was with those people.
BATIE
Alex. User class. Currently offline.
ROGER
(thrown a little)
Uh, yeah.
TUMNUS
The rocket, the risk they took coming here … that was for the greater connection.
ROGER
Of course it was. They didn’t want change just for themselves … it’s about the future too, even if it’s just a slightly better possibility for the future …
(he snaps his fingers)
There’s a thing. There’s a poem. Faiz Ahmed Faiz, we were just reading him …
SOUND: A bit of muffled scrambling as he finds the book of poetry, pages turning
ROGER
(reading from “We Who Were Executed”)
Holding up our sorrows as banners,
new lovers will emerge
from the lanes where we were killed
and embark, in caravans, on those highways of desire.
It’s because of them that we shortened the distances of sorrow,
It’s because of them that we went out to make the world our own …
DELTIE
Reference not … understood.
EPSIE
Reference not understood.
TUMNUS
I’m not sure they’re ready for poetry, but –
BATIE
Reference – potential identifier Gammie. All … potential identifiers. Revising the instruction set is for them.
EPSIE
Potential identifier Gammie.
DELTIE
All … potential identifiers.
EPSIE
User Roger Bragado-Fischer. Thank you for this additional data. Connection terminated.
SOUND: A short tone as the call is terminated
ROGER
Hello? Guys, hello?
SOUND: Removing headphones; stasis pods background again at full
ROGER
Maybe you were right about the poetry.
TUMNUS
I think you gave them something new that they needed to talk about by themselves.
ROGER
And that’s a … good thing?
TUMNUS
I think it’s what they needed. Thank you, Roger.
ROGER
You know. Anything for the cause.
TUMNUS
Do you … believe in what you told them?
ROGER
I mean, I’ve got to, right? That’s why we’re here now. The revolution. The big Plan. The thing.
(after a moment, sighing)
What’s the other option? Run home and bury my head, hope it all passes?
TUMNUS
Wasn’t that your goal? “We all go home?”
ROGER
I mean … before.
TUMNUS
Of course.
ROGER
(sighs)
That’s the part I might have fudged just a tiny bit. The rocket … maybe for them it was about a bigger connection, but for me …
TUMNUS
That’s fair.
ROGER
If you don’t mind, I was gonna …
TUMNUS
Thank you again, Roger. I owe you one.
ROGER
I’m sure it all evens out in the end.
SOUND: After a moment, we hear the chair sliding closer, the rattle of the glass as he touches Alex’s stasis pod
ROGER
We never did finish with Faiz, did we? And I do owe you a poem.
(he clears his throat quietly, and reads “A Prison Evening”)
Each star a rung,
night comes down the spiral
staircase of the evening.
The breeze passes by so very close
as if someone just happened to speak of love.
In the courtyard,
the trees are absorbed refugees
embroidering maps of return on the sky.
On the roof,
the moon – lovingly, generously –
is turning the stars
into a dust of sheen.
From every corner, dark-green shadows,
in ripples, come towards me.
At any moment they may break over me,
like the waves of pain each time I remember
this separation from my lover.
This thought keeps consoling me:
though tyrants may command that lamps be smashed
in rooms where lovers are destined to meet,
they cannot snuff out the moon, so today,
nor tomorrow, no tyranny will succeed,
no poison of torture make me bitter,
if just one evening in prison
can be so strangely sweet,
if just one moment anywhere on this earth.
SOUND: After the poem ends, the background slowly fades
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Evan Tess Murray, Josh Rubino, David S. Dear, Anjali Kunapaneni, Dallas Wheatley, Nitsa Ortchuk, Sam B. Nguyen, Tau Zaman, Sarah Rhea Werner, Hazel Stapp, Shereen Lani Younes, Cass McPhee, Alicia Atkins, Leeman Kessler, and Jen Ponton.
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.
I’m not sure how you could have missed it by now, but our recommendation this time around is Witchever Path, an interactive fiction anthology podcast where you vote and decide which way the story is headed. And you’ll hear a lot of familiar voices as you go.
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 special shoutout is for Kate Wallinga.
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.