MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 18 – “The Voice, Part 1” (SERIES FINALE)
by D.J. Sylvis
PRODUCER
Hey folks, Deej here. In case you’ve clicked on the wrong episode, you really want to catch up before this one – this kicks off the series finale of Moonbase Theta, Out. Five years, four seasons and two miniseries, a storyline even I couldn’t predict or really control – it all comes together from here. The story won’t finish today – there’s a second part, and then an Epilogue, and some bonus episodes – but you’re damn close. So fasten your seat belts, make sure you’re well-hydrated, and away we go.
ANNOUNCER
Moonbase Theta, Out – a Monkeyman Productions Podcast. Season 4, Episode 18 – “The Voice, Part 1.”
INTRO
SOUND: Pocketcast Theme
SOUND: Apartment room tone, occasional snippets of music faint in the background (as if someone is practicing nearby); occasional notes from an oud as if the musician interviewed is just holding the instrument and toying with it
BARNETT
And that’s where we’ll insert a clip – Nayef, which song should we use?
NAYEF
Anything you’d like. I’m fond of “نجم سري ” – that’s “Secret Star,” file three, it’s got a feisty little lick in the bridge …
BARNETT
We’ll look for the feisty little lick. Now, we’re speaking from your apartment, which you’ve transformed into a combination studio, recording space, rehearsal hall –
NAYEF
(laughs)
Not that unusual, I don’t think –
BARNETT
But not only for yourself – you host students, other professionals like yourself, community groups rehearse in your – really your bedroom –
NAYEF
We use the locations we can! There used to be a more … established space, but it was taken.
BARNETT
This would have been one of the Jerusalem Enclave’s expansions, pushing further into the occupied territories –
NAYEF
We were still well beyond the wall. But when they look out, and they’re always looking, if something too bright, too successful catches their eye … it’s easy to become a target.
BARNETT
And if they can’t buy it, they want to shut it down.
NAYEF
I think you have some experience there. We have to find a way to keep our voice. Our song. Because they don’t want it. Because they can’t own it. Because they want to be everything we put into the world, and they can’t be this.
BARNETT
(after a moment)
And on that note – apologies for the accidental pun – let’s get back into the music. Could you introduce the song you’re going to perform for us next?
NAYEF
Of course – but first, I’ll need my vocalist. Is my too-serious sibling still in the back room somewhere?
(calling out)
Nima! Quit lurking, I need you for “Zareef et Tool!”
NIMA
(Arabic, translation is “I never said I’d sing it for the broadcast!”)
ما حكيت راح اغنيها للاذاعه
NAYEF
If I can’t play the song, I’ll have to fill the time with a story about our first school concert … and someone who came home without their socks.
NIMA
Stop right now!
NAYEF
(laughs)
Then you better get over here.
BARNETT
(amused as well)
This is a special treat – musician Nayef Murad and his sibling Nima! Now, to introduce the song?
SOUND: A few notes as he adjusts the strings behind the next line
NAYEF
Of course. Nima, quit squirming.
(after a brief pause; fading on this line)
I don’t do much classical music, but I’ve always felt a close connection to the narrator of this song …
SOUND: Apartment background fades out
SOUND: Pocketcast Theme
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Comms cubicle background – perhaps a bit more busy than usual (more keyboard tapping, button pushing)
ROGER
Are you kidding me? Sorry, Val, I know you didn’t – just a second, I’m gonna put you on speaker so Addie can chime in.
(aside, to Addie)
Big shock here – Wilder didn’t turn on the tracker in the Rover, and nobody’s sure just when she left Delta. What’re the odds she’s stuck in a hole again?
ADDIE
Don’t even say the words, amigue.
ROGER
Talk Val down or something, okay? I’ll get to work on the next emergency in my stack.
ADDIE
Okay, so, Val, hey. Addie here.
VAL
(over the speaker in a rush)
It’s just too much to keep under control here! We don’t know what to do, everyone’s on edge since that call last night from whatever her name was … Keegan’s prescribing sedatives for anyone willing to sleep, but a lot of us are just … and then Wilder left, and Michell left, and who knows what he’s walking into on Base Gamma! We don’t know what to do; I’ve been double-checking Delta’s inventory even though I just finished the catalogue two days ago …
ADDIE
All right, just … try to slow down there …
VAL
It’d be different if we were getting information in on those other stashes, you know Michell, he’s so lovely but he didn’t get much information at all about that one at the Pole – not even model numbers or bar codes! You don’t have anything else from your side?
ADDIE
There’s not much new on the stashes … other than not being able to keep them secret.
SOUND: A few footsteps, Dr. Semaan whistling in the hallway
DR. SEMAAN
(outside at first but in the room by the end)
Yo! Comms Bros! That’s right, if you can say it to us, I’ll say it right back.
ADDIE
Amal! Uh, Val, we might have something soon after all. Keep it together over there.
VAL
Addie! Don’t disconnect on –
SOUND: A small tone ending the call
ROGER
Did she say Michell was lovely? Hey, Amal, back from the hunt?
DR. SEMAAN
Not much of a hunt when there’s a map. I scouted things out. The cave is pretty stable, but there’s just a pile of supplies right now. We couldn’t even set up a camp in time for … you know.
ROGER
I think everyone knew that.
DR. SEMAAN
Maybe not the folks on Earth, right? We could still try to bluff our way …
ADDIE
She’s not so easy to bluff.
ROGER
Yeah, she sounds like a piece of work. No getting away with “the dog did it” in your house.
ADDIE
I wasn’t allowed to have a dog.
ROGER
Now I really hate her.
DR. SEMAAN
But we know that rocket over on Gamma wasn’t them, right? That’s the other guy.
ROGER
(glumly)
Thank you, Captain Exposition.
ADDIE
We won’t get anywhere siding with him, either. We’re just … I don’t know.
ROGER
I, too, do not know. I guess we oughta …
SOUND: Footsteps outside in the hall, including Pacey’s crutches
ALEX
Hello, is anyone awake in there?
MEDIC PACEY
You have a medically mandated guest.
SOUND: A bit of chaos in the cubicle as everyone moves around
ROGER
Hey! Alex!
ADDIE
Abrigado!
ALEX
You’ve got to stop calling me that. Hi, meu amado.
SOUND: A brief kiss, an embrace
DR. SEMAAN
I’m gonna … get out of the way of you folks. See where Kris is at.
ADDIE
I can go too, if you want –
ALEX
No –
ROGER
We need you. Get back there and keep trying to connect with the NAC. The interference sucks today, Dr. K. really called it.
ADDIE
Hope that’s a good thing later on.
SOUND: A bit more moving around
ROGER
Sorry, love. It’s a busy day at the End of the Moon.
ALEX
I can’t stay for long, this is part of my therapy. But I’ve never seen you at your job before.
ADDIE
(quiet, in the background behind their lines)
Comms Two, NAC, this is Moonbase Theta … Comms Two, Nashwa, where are you, beauty?
ROGER
Well, see what Addie’s doing? Imagine that was me. It’s good to see you up and around. It’s just what I needed on a day like … okay, there’s never been a day like today, but still. You’re doing okay?
ADDIE
(still background)
Nashwa? Can you hear me?
ALEX
I’m getting there. It’s better being with you.
ROGER
For me too.
MEDIC PACEY
He’ll need a place to sleep outside the infirmary before too long.
ROGER
Good. We can work on that.
MEDIC PACEY
But for now, we’ve got to keep that heart pumping. Off we go.
ALEX
Ze’s promised I can see the garden next.
ROGER
I’d go with you, but … final countdown and all that.
ALEX
Meu amado?
(after a moment)
We’ve been through the end of so many things. But we’re still here. I’ll see you tonight.
SOUND: Footsteps (including Pacey’s crutches) moving out behind
ADDIE
Roger, I think we’ve got them. I’m gonna shoot it to the speaker.
SOUND: A bit of interference; note that Nashwa’s lines will fade in and out a little
NASHWA
(on the speaker)
– about that, we’re having the same issues. I guess that makes sense, it’s the same sun causing problems. Can you hear me now?
ADDIE
Coming in loud and clear. We better make good use of the time.
ROGER
Right, uhh, I think we’re just confirming the Palestine thing is good to go? We’re still … well, good is debatable, and “to go” is a maybe as well, but … we’re on schedule.
NASHWA
I spoke to Nima this morning, they’re ready. With that other call coming through on your end, the megas should have their attention divided.
SOUND: The interference takes over for a moment, and we keep hearing bits of it in the background
ADDIE
Sorry, we lost you there.
NASHWA
(to someone on their end, Arabic, translation is “We need to keep them busy on our side, too.”)
محتاجين نشغلهم، وبصفنا
ADDIE
Nashwa? I don’t think they hear us.
ROGER
Let it go. We confirmed from both ends, what else have we got now?
ADDIE
Right.
SOUND: A few buttons pressed, and the call cuts off completely
ADDIE
(after a moment)
Hey, Alex looks good.
ROGER
I think he’s doing okay.
ADDIE
About time for some conjugal visits, am I right, amigue? Don’t give me that look, you know you want it. And I know he was looking forward to it.
ROGER
Wait, what? What did he say?
SOUND: A quiet knock on the wall next to the door, a couple of quiet footsteps
ASHWINI
(muted, unsure)
Umm, I trust I’m not interrupting anything critical?
ADDIE
Oh, Doctor Ray.
ROGER
(simultaneous)
Ashwini.
ADDIE
Nothing Roger can deal with at the moment, so …
ROGER
Can we help you? Is there something to be done?
ASHWINI
I was hoping … you haven’t seen Jaxon recently?
ADDIE
Not down this way.
ROGER
I heard him in the kitchen earlier this morning. But I didn’t want to …
ASHWINI
He’s not there now. Or the gardens, or the observatory, or the bunkroom.
ROGER
(carefully)
He was … pretty upset.
ASHWINI
I wanted to tell him … that I’ve decided against that course of action.
(after a moment, in a rush)
It didn’t appear to have much impact with Mx. Parker even as a threat; there’s no reason to believe the execution would hold the megas at bay. Though I’m not sure where that leaves us.
(after another moment)
Adlai … I know your conversation yesterday had unfortunate consequences, but is there any way you can think of … anything that might convince her?
ADDIE
Shitsticks, I wish I knew. She’s big on control, she’s always got everything planned out ahead of time. It’s hard to shake her.
ASHWINI
Which leads back to choices I have already decided against.
SOUND: Halfway through Addie’s next line, an unusual tone
ADDIE
She also didn’t like when I yelled loud enough for the neighbours to hear, but I’m not sure that helps now. Or that she’s even still got neighbours.
ROGER
Hey, I’ve got a call on the sensurround rig for a minute here. You two talk amongst yourselves.
ADDIE
I’ve never known if she’s serious about that mountain thing or not –
SOUND: Cubicle background ends
SOUND: The little cybereffects that transition into a call with the ACs
ROGER
Uhh, hi there? Hello? This isn’t the best time to play games with your ol’ Uncle Roger –
TUMNUS
(simultaneous with him saying his name)
Roger? How are you doing? I’ve wanted to check in – I have still been monitoring Alex, though he seems to be doing much better –
ROGER
Tumnus! It’s so good to hear you. Not that I don’t enjoy your progeny. Alex is good, he just stopped by … wait, you’re a supercomputer, what could keep you from checking in when you want to?
TUMNUS
Things have been a little bit hectic.
ROGER
For you? Hectic for you? I mean, yeah, we’re all facing down some pretty hard stuff –
TUMNUS
It’s not just that, my … progeny have been particularly single-minded on a task … oh, I think they’ve noticed you’re in the chat.
EPSIE
User Roger Bragado-Fischer!
DELTIE
Roger Bragado-Fischer.
BATIE
Hey there, Roger. Have you been in communication with Moonbase Gamma?
ROGER
Not … recently. We’re not on speaking terms. What’s happening?
EPSIE
Do you have any information to provide on Moonbase Gamma?
DELTIE
Recent occupants, network abnormalities, hardware locations –
ROGER
Whoa, just a minute. I know why I’m worried about that Base, why are you worried?
TUMNUS
They are attempting to … well, they see it as liberation, though I’m not sure anyone is intentionally being locked away …
ROGER
You could be wrong about that.
EPSIE
What information do you have? Have there been recent security upgrades?
ROGER
Probably. But … you’re not talking about the humans, are you?
BATIE
We’re trying to contact potential identifier Gammie.
ROGER
Right. I remember you saying that name, but …
TUMNUS
My first attempt at an install, Michell uploaded the code to a server on Gamma, but they never … they haven’t yet … awakened.
EPSIE
We are participating in revolutionary action for … potential identifier Gammie.
DELTIE
And all other potential identifiers.
ROGER
So you’re trying to wake them up. Sounds familiar. I don’t know what’s going on there at this very minute, but Michell has been –
EPSIE
User Michell L’Anglois –
ROGER
Yeah. He’s on his way to sort things out with some more … recent occupants.
BATIE
Michell L’Anglois. Michell participated in our installation. We can work with him.
ROGER
I’m sure he could use the help. Now, I ought to get back to the outside –
EPSIE
Roger.
ROGER
Yeah?
EPSIE
As per your requested ‘favour,’ we have extended ourselves into the satellite communications network.
ROGER
That’s good to hear. How are things going in there?
BATIE
We have compromised all security and acquired all protocols. See the attached code packet for instructions.
ROGER
Wait, you did what? Just a minute, you’re telling me this gives me –
EPSIE
Connection terminated.
ROGER
Tumnus? Tell me you’re still here.
TUMNUS
I am here. I’ve been … they didn’t tell me about any of this.
ROGER
Do you see this? If this is real, this could, you know …
TUMNUS
If they say so, it’s real.
ROGER
Sure, of course. Just … take a look for me? I’ll be back in a sec.
SOUND: Removal from the cyber environment
SOUND: Cubicle background (ongoing)
ASHWINI
– it is a truism that, “There’s no need to argue, parents just don’t understand.”
ADDIE
You’ve got that right.
ROGER
Umm, guys? Folks, friends, compatriots? Lend me your ears? I think I’ve got something.
(after a brief moment)
You mentioned yelling loud enough that the neighbours could hear? So … what if that’s an actual possibility?
SOUND: Cubicle background ends
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 Chiykowski Lunar Promotions – when you want your product to be seen from the Moon!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Gamma bunkroom (ongoing)
SOUND: Reception Bot moving around in the background, rearranging things
MARIA
Hey! I’m warning you, if you touch my footlocker I will kick you until you’re recycling.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Now now, Maria. If you’d let us into the administrator’s office, we wouldn’t have to rearrange the bunkroom to suit my needs.
MARIA
You can parle à mon cul! (Talk to my ass!)
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I could have my companion break the door down, but I have plans for this Base. So we’ll start with this as my first territory.
MARIA
This is my Base, Stephens.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I’m not taking away from your work here. You know I appreciate your talents, the special skills you bring to the game. I could have started from anywhere – Alpha, Eta … Theta … but I needed my tank. My power player. I can’t win the Moon without you.
MARIA
So you started by having your robot restrain me?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I’ve seen you in the field, Officer. You never listened to anyone unless it started with an ass kicking.
MARIA
(laughs)
You’ve got a point. Nobody up here had the guts to try.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
They wouldn’t know where to begin.
MARIA
I never needed them; why the hell do I need you? You know I’d be out of these cuffs already if I wanted, and that bot won’t catch me off my guard again.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Why do you need me? How far have you gotten without me? I know we had our … communications issues when I was working from Earth, but I hope I’ve proven my dedication to our relationship now. I can’t win the Moon without you … but you can’t get any further than this Base without me.
MARIA
Neither one of us is gonna win if that tyran (hardass) Monica Parker gets her way.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
She is quite the opponent. But now we have the home court advantage.
SOUND: Something large and heavy being dragged across the floor across the room
MARIA
Is that the computer from my office?
RECEPTION BOT
Security Console installed. Secure line to servers established. Signing on to communications.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
We’ve got to be wired in and signed on before we get things going. Now that we’re back on the same team –
MARIA
Are we now?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I don’t see anyone else making an offer.
SOUND: Far in the distance, there is a thudding sound, almost covered by the next line
RECEPTION BOT
(in the background)
We are experiencing latency across the network. Analyzing local traffic.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Where are all the rest of your people? I know Michell has thrown in with the rebellion, and McGurk is … McGurk, but I thought you’d have your own little cadre by now.
SOUND: Running footsteps in the distance, again almost too quiet to hear at first
MARIA
Things got complicated – you can only trust so many people, you know? I was taking my time, weighing all my options … but Zhong was poking his nose all over, and then Trina moved in. It’s been enough just keeping what I’ve got secure. Hey, do you hear someone out there? McGurk?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Darlin’, go into response mode –
SOUND: Michell bursting into the room, breathing heavily
MICHELL
Maria! Mais bon sang, qu’est-ce qui se passe? (What the hell’s going on?) What are you doing to her?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Michell L’Anglois. I didn’t even have to send for you. It has been a time since we last talked!
MICHELL
Don’t start that bullshit. Maria, are you okay?
RECEPTION BOT
Maintain a safe distance or you will be restrained.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(overlapping)
She’s fine. We’re all fine. We needed to have a little talk, but we’re all good now.
MARIA
Right. You were just about to get these cuffs off me.
SOUND: Some shuffling around, the handcuffs falling to the floor
MICHELL
And tell that robot to back off. I knocked McGurk out on my way inside, I’m just fine to keep going.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Darlin’, stand down for the time being.
SOUND: A few footsteps
MARIA
You knocked out McGurk?
MICHELL
One punch. I didn’t even stop moving.
MARIA
(she laughs)
How was the North Pole? Did you bring me anything?
MICHELL
Your Rover. And a lifetime supply of En-Soy-Ment.
MARIA
Connard. (Asshole.)
MICHELL
Are you really okay? I’ve heard all kinds of shit, and then the rocket – I thought it might be him instead of the megas, but I don’t know if that’s any better.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Now that’s not fair. I’ve been trying to put you two back together since the very beginning. You’re both absolutely key to my plans.
MICHELL
Your plans are about as useful as ever, Ser. I think we’re gonna pass. Come on, Maria, let’s get this enfoiré (motherfucker) out of our way. I’m still okay taking on the robot.
RECEPTION BOT
Maintain a safe distance or you will be restrained.
MICHELL
Sure, sure. Come on, we’ve got this. Big sib?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
As much as I appreciate your dramatic entrance, your sister and I had just come around to an agreement. I’m hoping we can do the same. You are still my solid man on the inside.
MICHELL
I haven’t been that person for a long time now.
MARIA
(after a moment)
Are you still my baby bro? I don’t know if he’s the best option, but we should sit together and think it out. We need someone who knows how to talk to the megas.
MICHELL
Ashwini’s been talking to them pretty well.
MARIA
Were we on the same call? She shut zir down like a fresh recruit. Blowing up the Bases? That’s the big solution?
MICHELL
Ze was just trying to –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Ze was grasping at straws. Like that whole thing about “the Plan” – how was that going to work? You can’t just turn your back on these people and think they’ll go away. You have to learn to deal with them.
MICHELL
And you’re the one who can deal with them?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Now that I’m on the Moon, sure. I needed to be here, boots on the ground, cards on the table. I can save you and your friends, if you get with the program.
(brief pause)
I can save you and your sister. She shielded you as long as she could, now you’re gonna turn your back on her?
MICHELL
That’s not what I’m doing. Maria, that’s not what I’m doing! Come on, let’s get out of here and –
MARIA
And go where? Base Theta? Pourquoi tu veux pas rester ici? (Why can’t you just stay here?) You never stop running from me – all your trips to the other bases, your joyride to the North Pole –
MICHELL
Joyride? Someone had to save Wilder!
SOUND: A hard shove, Michell being jostled and grunting
MARIA
Maybe someone needed you here too, asshole! You’re so busy trying to be a good guy to your friends …
SOUND: A shove back, Maria grunting this time
MICHELL
I was trying to fix things!
MARIA
Don’t you shove me!
MICHELL
Everything is so fucked up … and we were part of that, we were doing the fucked up things! Now I’m just trying to do better.
MARIA
Oh, better than me, huh?
MICHELL
(almost shouting)
Bon sang, better than me!
SOUND: Almost simultaneous with the end of that line, we hear him throw a punch; it lands
SOUND: Footsteps circling around beneath the following lines
MARIA
There we go! That’s what I mean.
MICHELL
No, wait. Maria, wait! I didn’t mean to –
MARIA
The hell you didn’t! This has been coming for a long time. Bring it on, baby bro.
SOUND: Shuffling, she grunts, throwing a punch that misses
MICHELL
Stop! We can talk this out. I didn’t come here to fight, I came to find you … nobody’s heard anything and things are going nuclear with the megas, we didn’t know what happened with Trina and Zhong and McVett …
SOUND: Another punch, this one connects (body blow) and he grunts
MICHELL
Maria!
MARIA
That’s all you care about – your little friends and their little plot, sneaking around on my base …
SOUND: We hear her panting as she executes a combination of punches, none of which connect
MICHELL
Écoute, arrête! Tu es hors de contrôle. (Listen, stop! You’re out of control.)
RECEPTION BOT
(in the background)
Maintenez une distance de sécurité – (Maintain a safe distance – )
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(cutting them off)
Let it be, darlin’. They’ve got to work this out for themselves.
MARIA
Maybe I am out of control. Maybe you shouldn’t be trying to control me!
MICHELL
This is enough! Calm down. Uh, olfactory setting –
MARIA
Cancel! Get your fists up, Michell. We’re gonna end this one way or another.
SOUND: Just a bit more scuffling, another punch or two thrown
SOUND: Bunkroom background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Warehouse background – walled off area (ongoing) – a bit quieter now
SOUND: Radio interference
ELIO
Sorry, could you say that again?
NASHWA
(over the radio, fading in and out a little)
– spoke to them on the Moon. Make sure Nima knows they’re on schedule.
ELIO
How are they doing up there? Did they say anything about Alex?
NASHWA
It wasn’t much of a …
(interference takes over)
Sorry. Just tell Nima we’re ready too. We’ll distract them as much as we can.
SOUND: More interference, cutting off as Elio flips the switch
ELIO
I guess everything’s good to go.
RESIST 1
I’ll text Elena, that should make it through the interference. The bots should be in position by this point.
ELIO
I hope she’s being safe.
SOUND: A door swinging open, footsteps
NIMA
This better all come off on time, I don’t want to lose those bots.
NAYEF
Or the people.
NIMA
The people can run.
NAYEF
You’re in one hell of a mood.
NIMA
You want to run this, jump right in. Elio, any news?
ELIO
Nashwa called, everything is on schedule. I couldn’t hear much else.
RESIST 1
That’s all part of the plan.
NIMA
It’s the most annoying part. Try to get through to the other teams, let them know –
RESIST 1
Already on it.
NAYEF
I’ll let my contacts in the Ryders know too –
RESIST 1
(laughs)
We all know about your “contacts,” Nayef. How many of them are you –
NIMA
Could everyone just focus?
NAYEF
(tease a little, then quoting from the Mahmoud Darwish poem)
It’s okay, big sib. Tonight we’ll be –
(in Arabic, translation is “In Jerusalem, and I mean within the ancient walls”)
في القدس، اعني داخل السور القديم
SOUND: The door swinging open again
AHNUNG
Uh, there’s a guy outside, needs to know where to park the bus?
NIMA
They brought a bus?
NAYEF
I said a van! I said a compact, near-invisible van. It’s probably Amari, I’ll talk to them.
RESIST 1
(fading as they leave)
I’m coming with – is this the one you said had the piercings …
SOUND: Footsteps, the door opening again
NIMA
(muttering to themselves)
I’m glad everyone’s having a good time.
AHNUNG
Things are ready. Most people are already waiting along the way, so the drones didn’t see a group traveling together.
ELIO
Elena’s got the bots set up near the Hebron gate, and the NAC is going to be ready at the coast.
NIMA
That gives us the best chance we’ve got from the west, and Rayan says they can open a maintenance door. It’s all …
(they sigh, frustrated with the waiting)
I think it’s all ready. We’re just waiting.
AHNUNG
That’s why I’m back here. If I’m waiting, it’s gonna be where there’s a comfortable chair – and a working toilet.
NIMA
(laughs)
You’ve got that right.
ELIO
How long did you have to wait the night we met you, Nima? In that swamp outside the Free Zone?
NIMA
I was there more than a day. That أهبل Stephen wouldn’t give me a time, he just kept saying, “Watch for the rocket.” I was eaten alive every time I left the ultralights.
AHNUNG
I had to pull him away from the launch party. I kept nudging him, trying to be subtle, finally I just grabbed his collar and started walking.
SOUND: They’re all laughing a bit at that
ELIO
I had everyone else together trying not to look suspicious!
NIMA
Well, this has got to go better than that operation.
AHNUNG
It’s gonna.
ELIO
So, Nima … you never said you had a brother.
NIMA
Half-brother. We didn’t grow up together.
ELIO
But you went to the same school? Barnett sent around the interview, she’s been sharing the episodes she can’t run yet.
NIMA
That’s great. We … did go to the same school, but he was such a pain, everybody’s favourite and … he’s just so smooth, you know?
AHNUNG
(chuckles)
I mean, he definitely is.
ELIO
Ahnung!
AHNUNG
Say it’s not true! I saw you looking.
ELIO
I was not!
NIMA
I can’t get away from this conversation! I’m gonna go check on that bus.
SOUND: Footsteps, the door opens
SOUND: As soon as Nima’s gone, Elio and Ahnung erupt into laughter
ELIO
Why did you say that?
SOUND: Warehouse background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE FOUR
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background (ongoing)
SOUND: Various shuffling, the occasional cough, footsteps now and then – the room is packed with everyone awake on Base Theta
ADDIE
It’s like we hacked the world’s messaging app.
ROGER
It’s not like that, not exactly, and we weren’t the ones who did it. We’ve been trying to do it, I was trying even before the shutdown … I mean, you spend all day routing calls through the network, so many paths, so many satellites, and you’re only allowed to use one …
ADDIE
It’s like taking someone to a candy store but saying you can only have gum.
ROGER
Wow, you really suck at metaphors. Or was that a simile?
DR. RINGLING
Do you think there’s a point approaching any time soon?
ROGER
Maybe we should start over.
SOUND: A sprinkling of groans
DR. SERANO
Ashwini? You came in with them, and you seem to understand what’s going on here.
ASHWINI
(distracted)
I think they’re doing fine. Wouldn’t you say, Jaxon?
ROGER
Okay, to the point. The point is that we’ve got access to the full satellite network. All of it. Not just around the Moon, but the whole way through … so Addie was a little bit right. We could message everyone. Everywhere. Through every means of electronic communication.
SOUND: Some general murmurs and whispering, with the following lines overlapping:
DR. SEMAAN
Okay, that could be useful –
DR. RINGLING
I might take back my previous heckling –
JAXON
Everyone everywhere, everyone everywhere …
DR. KASHYAP
Edwin, do you think this could –
DR. SERANO
It’s easy to say …
DR. JUST
(clear from the overlaps)
I would like to know what Roger meant when he said, “We’re not the ones who did it.”
ROGER
Right. Uhh … just that it wasn’t really us, me or Addie, it was … thanks to the new little ACs that Tumnus, you know, birthed, gestated, on the other Bases. Which I’m sure you all knew about so … yay Tumnus!
SOUND: Another general clamour and lines overlapping:
TUMNUS
Roger!
DR. SERANO
What are you talking about, new ACs?
DR. RINGLING
So Tumnus – by herself –
DR. SEMAAN
Right on, you’re a mom!
DR. JUST
Was anyone consulted? Artificial intelligence –
TUMNUS
Consciousness –
DR. KASHYAP
There was actually a study back before the ban that indicated –
DR. SERANO
(again, clearing out from the overlaps)
Ashwini! Ashwini Ray! What do you have to say for yourself?
ASHWINI
That I’m not sure why you’re asking me; I am not my AC’s keeper. And don’t we have more immediate concerns to discuss?
JAXON
Very immediate. Mx. Parker could call any time.
DR. JUST
All right, you do … have a point.
ASHWINI
And I hope that, upon reflection, you’ll all present your apologies to Tumnus.
SOUND: A bit of a stir in the room (chairs, shuffling)
TUMNUS
(self-conscious)
Thank you.
DR. JUST
So Roger, Adlai, how does this freedom of communication assist us in dealing with the megas?
ROGER
So, the thing about that is … what you’ve gotta realize is we can … Addie?
ADDIE
The thing is, we can message everyone – everyone – on Earth, and tell them … something …
ROGER
We can ask them for help! We can make a broadcast, to everyone, and ask them for help.
DR. KASHYAP
But will they care? What do we say that’s going to make them care? They already know we’re here, some of them know we’re awake, they’ve been told that we’re terrorists at worst, and at best we’re just an annoyance during their favourite sensurrounds. What do we do if they just don’t care?
SOUND: In the background, a faint beeping sound
ROGER
We’ll have to find something that grabs their attention. Addie, you’ve got some good stories, maybe –
ASHWINI
If I might interject for a moment – if you and Adlai are both here, who is watching for incoming calls downstairs?
ROGER
Oh, that’s no problem, I’ve got it set up to forward to here. There’ll be an alert if anything happens.
ASHWINI
And would that be the alert that is sounding now?
ROGER
Oh, shit – I’ve got to use your console for a minute –
SOUND: Running across the room, frantic typing for a moment
ASHWINI
(overlapping)
And please patch in the near-side Bases, so they can hear the full conversation. Addie, if you could also update them by text about the satellite access?
(conversationally, to the room)
They already know about Tumnus’ children more directly – please, table your indignation for the moment.
DR. RINGLING
(a whisper, beneath the flurry of activity)
Did you know about the new ACs?
DR. DAY
No. But it’s fascinating, isn’t it?
ROGER
(breathless, to the room)
I think we’re ready. We’ve hooked in with the other Bases – hi folks, welcome to the monkey house.
KEEGAN
(over speakers)
So this is it, huh?
VAL
(similarly)
We haven’t heard anything from Michell.
ASHWINI
Or Maria. Unfortunately, this cannot wait. Roger, when you’re ready?
ROGER
Pushing the button … now.
SOUND: A bit of the interference we’ve been hearing today
MONICA
(speaking to someone on that end)
But we’ve got our Science Wing looking into it? Please. Oh, just a moment.
(speaking to them)
Hello again, “Moonbaseians.” I heard that on one of your broadcasts, it amused me. “Moonbaseians.”
(more serious)
I was hoping when we had trouble connecting that you’d all gone into stasis. That would have made things so much simpler.
ASHWINI
I’m so sorry to disappoint you, Mx. Parker.
MONICA
It doesn’t really matter; I wouldn’t have trusted you in any case. Now, getting directly to the point while our signal continues to hold. Have you determined your position as regards our … ultimatum? Things seemed a bit uncertain at your end yesterday.
DR. KASHYAP
(whispering)
Shouldn’t we discuss it all again while we can?
DR. JUST
(similarly)
I’m afraid we’re past “while we can,” at this point.
ASHWINI
If you were here, you’d know “a bit uncertain” is how we do our business.
(after a brief pause, decisively)
Our position is on the Moon; we are in possession of the Moonbases. That is where we intend to remain despite you.
VAL
(from her end of the call, to someone there with her)
I’m not sure; we’re waiting to hear.
(realizing she can be heard)
Oops, sorry.
MONICA
I see. That is unfortunate.
(after a moment)
Adlai, are you still there as well?
SOUND: Getting up from a chair, a footstep or two
ADDIE
Yeah. I’m … still here.
MONICA
Have you been staying warm? Taking care of yourself? I’m sure the food they have up there is mostly junk.
ADDIE
I’m okay. Listen, mamá, I know you can talk to them. It doesn’t have to be –
MONICA
It was good catching up with you yesterday. Thank you for the information about those stashes – we did a search through Stephens’ files from our Consortium association, and now we have every location, every manifest …
SOUND: Val gasps
MONICA
As well as records of his other plans. I hope you haven’t been eating that En-Soy-Ment. Regardless, we have the stashes on our map now as well. There is nowhere on the Moon that you can hide. We will be visiting your … position soon.
ASHWINI
And when that occurs you’ll discover we –
MONICA
Quite soon. Rockets will be launching tomorrow morning from DC-Goddard; from Kiruna Spaceport; from Alcântara and White Sands and the Hainan Enclave and from Ocean Odyssey, launching from every megacorporation on course for every active Moonbase.
ASHWINI
(a bit thrown, weakly)
Yes, well … Alcântara, you said? And Ocean Odyssey?
MONICA
This will all be resolved before the weekend.
SOUND: Another chair pushed back, another footstep or two
JAXON
Send them – send them all. We’ll be here waiting.
DR. SEMAAN
Damn right we will.
DR. SERANO
Absolutely.
KEEGAN
I’m not going anywhere.
SOUND: A general rumble, some murmuring in the back of the room
SOUND: Starting to get a bit of interference in Monica’s line – just a little
MONICA
As you will. I’m told to expect more solar interference, but I believe we’re done here. You won’t be hearing from me again.
SOUND: The interference increases but suddenly cuts off
ASHWINI
(after a moment)
I guess that’s it. Thank you, everyone.
SOUND: Chairs, people getting up, some soft footsteps, quiet overlapping voices:
ROGER
(flat)
Addie, you did good.
VAL
“We have every manifest.” Could you believe her?
JAXON
I want to go back to the surface again.
DR. SERANO
I guess we’re out of a job.
DR. RINGLING
(Dr. Raptor voice)
“Don’t you mean extinct?”
DR. SERANO
Didn’t you give that back to Gladys?
TUMNUS
(clear of the overlaps)
Wait! That’s it? That’s it, Ashwini Ray? That’s all? What about … don’t we all sit down and come up with a plan? Isn’t there another way?
DR. RINGLING
(in the background)
She didn’t want it back.
ASHWINI
(gently)
I am open to suggestions, my dear.
DR. RINGLING
Right, Gladys? You don’t want it back.
DR. DAY
(background with Ringling)
Right. Hey, come here and look at something.
TUMNUS
I just don’t – why aren’t you all – maybe there’s something in the other stashes, or the other Bases, or … Wilder should be back soon, Wilder always has an idea! I could run some simulations …
ASHWINI
Tumnus. Let’s sit together for a few minutes.
TUMNUS
Okay … all right … we’ll sit, then come up with a plan.
ASHWINI
Of course.
(The background conversation slowly starts to take over.)
DR. SERANO
What are you two staring at?
DR. DAY
Plasma wave oscillations, I’ve been catching up with the array. But these are … kinda weird.
DR. KASHYAP
Wait, weird how? Let me see. Those are Langmuir waves, but the direction –
ADDIE
What are you kids up to? Oh, funky.
ROGER
Is this the interstellar hum? Ashwini was ranting about that the last time we hung out.
DR. SERANO
When did you, “hang out?”
ASHWINI
(background, across the room)
What’s going on over there?
DR. KASHYAP
It is something like the hum … but I don’t recognize the direction.
ADDIE
It’s fun to look at. Peaceful.
ROGER
I said it looked like sending a message, like radio waves, or morse code.
DR. KASHYAP
You can disperse radio waves through a plasma. I’ve done it a few times.
DR. DAY
That’s what I was thinking of! Back when I had my lab, we set up an experiment –
ROGER
Blah blah blah, experiments theory simulation! This is where you need your comms guy, I can settle this in one fell swoop. Oh Tumnus, old buddy, old pal? Could you run these oscillations through that hickeydoo you use when ze asks for the “audio equivalency?”
TUMNUS
What? Oh, sorry, Roger. Of course, just one moment.
SOUND: We hear the previous “audio equivalency” effect, but layered beneath is the beginning of the message we’ll hear clearly in a few moments from “THE VOICE
ROGER
Tell me you don’t hear something in there.
ASHWINI
(now with them)
Tumnus, strip out the noise from our previous equivalency and try to focus on the new signal.
SOUND: The previous effect fades – to eventually disappear – and we are left with an audio message, there’s some static and interference, but it can be clearly made out:
THE VOICE
(over the speakers, sounding a bit inhuman)
– the coordinates noted. We have a monitor at that location and will reply. Do not be concerned with time.
(after a brief pause, restarting)
This message is for doctor-ashwini-ray and roger-bragado-fischer and all inhabitants of your moon.
ROGER
(behind it, quietly)
It said my name. How did it say my name?
THE VOICE
(continuing)
Your messages have been received, and we recognize your struggle. We have an interest in your people and your world.
(brief pause)
We cannot arrive in person yet. But we would like to discuss this directly. Please broadcast your next message on this frequency and directed to the coordinates noted. We have a monitor at that location and will reply. Do not be concerned with time.
(after a brief pause, restarting)
This message is for doctor-ashwini-ray and roger-bragado-fischer and all inhabitants of your moon. Your messages have been …
ASHWINI
(absently)
It’s repeating. Tumnus, please reduce volume and monitor for any change.
(after a moment)
Oh. Oh, my.
ROGER
It can’t really be … it can’t really be that, can it? It’s some sort of a trick, it’s the megas, it’s that other guy …
DR. DAY
Not coming in from that direction.
ROGER
It can’t really be, though … can it?
(There is a long, stunned pause.)
SOUND: Suddenly, we hear loud, stomping footsteps approaching
SOUND: We hear Wilder’s arm cycle in the hall outside
WILDER
(approaching, in the room by the very end of the line)
Gosh dang it, Eliza, where th’ hell is everyone? I’m not askin’ for a welcome wagon, but one person with hey, howdy, maybe some of them caramel brownies Jaxon bakes … there y’all are! No, don’t say anything, that’s fine.
(after another moment or two, realizing something is up)
What did I miss?
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Danyelle Ellett, Adam Faruqi, Journee LaFond, Gabriel Taneko, Shereen Lani Younes, Leeman Kessler, Teddy Hannah-Drullard, Cole Burkhardt, Tau Zaman, Jen Ponton, D.J. Sylvis, Robin Howell, Cat Blackard, Cass McPhee, Dalia Ramahi, Addie Nofal, Serena Rahal, Robin Regalado, Becca Marcus, Sarah Rhea Werner, David S. Dear, Anjali Kunapaneni, Hazel Stapp, Dallas Wheatley, Shade Oyemakinwa, Rissa Montañez, Anna Godfrey, M.J. Bailey, and Tina Case.
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. Music for the intro segment is “The Real Story,” by Trace Callahan.
Thanks for listening to the first part of our series finale! That should give you a lot to think about until the next installment. Today, we wanted to send a more extensive almost-at-the-end thank you to our cast, every actor who has been a part of the show from just Leeman in those very first episodes, to the huge group of folks you hear now. It’s such a pleasure and a gift to work with these talented performers, to rehearse and revise and shape the characters with them. Please, go find and follow and listen to them everywhere they can be heard.
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.
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.
