MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 19 – “The Voice, Part 2” (SERIES FINALE)
by D.J. Sylvis
PRODUCER
Hey there, Moonbaseians! Deej here, and it’s time for the resolution of our two-part Moonbase Theta, Out series finale! This is it, another hour or so and you’ll have heard the rest of the story. Well, not really, of course – there’ll be an epilogue in Episode 20, four bonus episodes to come after that, and … after that a long, well-deserved rest. For me, at least, probably not for our folks on the Moon. But before any of that, slide forward to the very edge of your seat and keep your feet firmly planted – because it’s time!
INTRO
SOUND: Pocketcast Theme
BARNETT
This is gonna be a little bit raw, people. I’m still in a location I can’t reveal until things break and the folks I’m with … I hope wind up safe, but there’s another big thing happening right now and you need to hear about it. It’s something I’ve spent a significant part of my career talking about and being known for – the Moon, and my time at the Moonbases.
(brief pause)
There are a lot of stories yet to share from that time. But I hope with what I’ve told so far, I have been able to bring you a sense of the beauty, the isolation and frustration, the love and enmity, the humour, and the tragedy suffered by the crews of the Moonbase program. And recently, I hope I’ve been able to reveal how tenuous their life has been since their reawakening. They have been living on a knife’s edge, working frantically towards their own sustainability while knowing the day would come when the megas took notice.
(after a moment)
And now that day is here. You may have woken this morning to reports – or if you’re close enough, the intense rumbling vibrations – of rocket launches from across the globe, sites owned by every megacorporation, headed toward that bright beacon far above. You’ve been told these are our heroes, hurtling through space to quell a dangerous insurrection. That their goal is to return your friends and loved ones in stasis, who are being “threatened” by revolutionaries who intend to rob us of any promise the Moon holds for our species.
(brief pause)
They’ve flipped the entire story for their benefit. For their profit. And I know if you’re listening, you’re unlikely to trust the official reports, or to choose the side of these Goliaths in a fight. However, I also know that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, that the fight itself is essentially hopeless, to turn off those reports and turn away lest you drown in the darkness.
(brief pause)
There are times when that is necessary, but if you can help it, please don’t let this be that day. Whatever happens, we need to be watching. We need to be listening. We need to spread the stories they don’t want to be heard. We need to bear witness as another band of brave, foolish, brilliant, hapless, difficult fellow humans stand up for themselves – and for all of us – whatever the consequences.
(after another moment)
I’ll be sharing updates throughout the day. My thoughts are with the community of Freehold Moon.
SOUND: Pocketcast Theme
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Bunkroom background (ongoing)
SOUND: We start out with the sounds of Michell and Maria continuing to fight, though they’re getting tired by this point; we hear punches thrown, landing and not so much; grunts and heavy breathing, circling feet and a footlocker being shoved out of the way
MICHELL
Are you ready … to give in?
MARIA
Do you know me?
(she grunts, throwing a punch)
Et c’est le but, n’est-ce pas? (And that’s the point, isn’t it?)
SOUND: Most beats in here are one of them punching; we’ll need grunts, gasps, etc. from both of you
MICHELL
Don’t give me that! We’re past that … bullshit, and two could play that game.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Indeed they could, son.
MARIA
You stay out of this! I still owe you after I finish him.
MICHELL
After who finishes who?
SOUND: A harder hit than before this
MICHELL
Putain! That’s my eye!
RECEPTION BOT
(in the background)
Update – Base Administration files have been unlocked.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(similarly distant)
Let’s take a look. I don’t see any updates. Try Security.
MARIA
I wasn’t going for … your eye, quit flinching! I know I taught you not to flinch.
MICHELL
It’s called dodging! Just because you’re … not fast enough –
(panting)
And I wouldn’t brag about how you taught me.
MARIA
You made it, didn’t you? All that matters is you made it.
MICHELL
(distraught, getting louder)
Right, look at me. You raised one hell of a man, big sib!
MARIA
(yelling back)
Do you think I planned it that way? I didn’t even get to … have a plan!
MICHELL
C’est assez evident! (That’s pretty obvious!)
MARIA
You ungrateful son of a bitch! You don’t know –
(she gets hit, grunts)
– what I gave up for you –
MICHELL
We gave up the same thing … and good riddance!
MARIA
(almost an aside)
You’re getting in some good hits.
(back to aggressive at him, but panting, worn out)
“We gave up the same thing.” Did we, baby bro? Ugh. Maybe you don’t know everything!
MICHELL
I was there, Maria. I know enough!
MARIA
Yeah? Do you know that I … didn’t have to leave?
MICHELL
(stops still, panting)
What are you … talking about? Of course you had to …
MARIA
(similarly – no longer punching)
I left because of you, Michell. Ran away because of you, took this crappy job because of you, went to the Moon for you.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(in the background)
Here, let me try my codes.
MICHELL
That’s not even … fair. We both had to get out …
MARIA
I was already out! You just couldn’t see, you asshole. I had a good job, I could have lived above the bakery, they offered a dozen times.
MICHELL
But our parents … that room, our plans …
MARIA
They couldn’t do shit to me. I could have kicked their asses and moved right across the street. But … none of that got you out. You were still a kid, if I took you we had to leave, where nobody could find us, where no one would know who we were.
MICHELL
That’s not … Ça, je ne m’en souviens pas. (I don’t remember that part.)
(suddenly aggressive, shoving her)
So what, that means now you own me?
MARIA
(similarly, back into fighting)
It means that you could be thankful! You could give me a little bit of help here instead of fucking off every time I needed you –
MICHELL
When have you ever needed me? You even rescued yourself from the shutdown!
MARIA
Bon sang, you’re the only one I needed! Michell and Maria, against the world … but you didn’t want to side with me.
(suddenly breaking)
Just once, just now, since the Moon is fucking ending? Why can’t you just be on my side?
MICHELL
(he sighs)
Shit. Come here, let’s sit down for a minute. We can get right up and fight again.
MARIA
Yeah, okay.
(she chuckles)
That’s quite the shiner you’ve got going.
MICHELL
Well, you’re sitting like something hurts a little.
MARIA
Could be, baby bro, could be. Ahh, what the hell are we even doing?
RECEPTION BOT
(background)
Secured files are now accessible. Continuing to unlock additional systems.
MICHELL
I really didn’t know any of that. Back then, I didn’t see.
MARIA
(gently)
Of course you didn’t. It’s not fair to blame you.
MICHELL
I want to be on the same side. I’ve been trying to.
MARIA
Yeah … I know.
MICHELL
I just don’t get why you’re siding with him?
MARIA
At this point, I’m not sure myself.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(suddenly just behind them)
I’m happy to provide the answer to that question.
SOUND: The zap of the taser being brandished
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I now have full access to this Base. I have full access to your files. I have the only legitimate plan for going up against the megas. And I have all the means – darlin’, if you could direct your attention this way for a moment – all the means necessary to ensure your cooperation.
RECEPTION BOT
(moving closer)
Maintain a safe distance or you will be restrained.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(overlapping a little)
I am playing with the best hand that I have held in a long time, and I can either deal you in or you will be discarded.
SOUND: One more zap from the taser
SOUND: Bunkroom background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Outside Jerusalem Enclave background – quiet night background, occasional vehicles far off (ongoing)
SOUND: Some shuffling, someone unscrewing a water bottle
AHNUNG
(quietly)
Do you want some water? It’s gonna be time soon.
NIMA
I’m okay.
AHNUNG
Probably just as well. I’ve already got to pee a little.
NIMA
It better be time. Check with Elio again.
SOUND: Ahnung fiddling with a portable radio
RESIST 2
(Arabic, whispering, translation is “What will you do when we get inside the walls?”)
شو راح تعمل لما نتجاوز السور
RESIST 3
(Arabic, translation is “I’m gonna write my name on something. In big letters.”)
راح اكتب اسمي عليه بالخط العريض
NIMA
(Arabic, translation is “Be serious. And quiet.”)
تكلم بجد وبهدوء
AHNUNG
(coming back up to Nima)
Here’s Elio for you.
NIMA
(alert)
What’s going on? What’s wrong?
ELIO
(over the radio)
Everything’s okay. Our bots are running the patterns Elena designed. Is she there yet?
NIMA
No. We’re all here waiting.
SOUND: We hear dogs barking from Elio’s side of the conversation
ELIO
Down, girls. Sorry, they don’t like staying inside.
NIMA
(softening a little)
I know. It won’t be long now. Be safe, Elio.
SOUND: Footsteps approaching
NIMA
(whispering)
Stay down!
RESIST 1
It’s just me. I think we’re good to go, as soon as Elena gives the signal. I didn’t actually open the doors yet, in case someone walks by … but the codes work.
NIMA
That’s good. Everyone, get it together!
(Arabic, translation is “We go as soon as the attack begins in Hebron.”)
بنطلع بس يبدأ الهجوم بالخليل
RESIST 4
(Arabic, translation is “We’re ready on your signal.”)
احنا جاهزين وبنستنا اشارة منك
RESIST 5
(Arabic, translation is “On your friend’s signal.”)
استنا اشارة صاحبك
RESIST 4
(Arabic, translation is “Not Elio, the one with the robots.”)
مش إليو، الشخص الي معو الاليات
ELENA
What’s that about the robots?
SOUND: A general bustle and a gasp or two
AHNUNG
You ever heard of a lookout? Hey, Elena.
NIMA
You were supposed to send a signal! Who’s coordinating the Hebron attack?
ELENA
I’ve got an app set up with live feeds. It’s all good.
RESIST 1
Elena! I’m glad you made it!
NIMA
(Arabic, translation is “You knew about it?”)
بتعرف عنهم؟
ELENA
I wasn’t gonna let you go in alone. Did you talk to Elio?
AHNUNG
Elio’s good, the NAC is good, they can’t raise the Moon right this minute because of interference, but the last we heard was good. Oh, Alex is up and around now.
ELENA
Really? That’s so good to hear.
RESIST 2
Alex who?
RESIST 3
Are you kidding? Roger on the Moon – his Alex!
NIMA
Could we hold off on gossip until we’re through the wall?
(after a moment)
Are we sure everyone else is on schedule?
AHNUNG
Everyone’s ready, Nima. We’re all good to go.
RESIST 1
Including Elena’s bots, from the reports I’m seeing.
ELENA
I wanted to wait until they’d engaged fully, but –
SOUND: In the distance, a warning siren is blaring
ELENA
Yes. It’s time.
NIMA
Finally! Rayan and I will lead. Ahnung, Elena, guard from the back. Everyone else spread out once we get inside, you’ve all got the map of defensible positions. Stay in touch. Ahnung, give the other teams the go.
AHNUNG
Got it.
NIMA
Let’s move!
SOUND: All of them starting to run as a group
RESIST 4
(Arabic, translation is “For Palestine!”)
لفلسطين
RESIST 5
(Arabic, translation is “For the Resistance!”)
للمقاومة
NIMA
Keep it down!
(but they can’t help but reply, Arabic, translation is “For the Resistance!”)
للمقاومة
SOUND: More running, a large mechanical door sliding open
SOUND: In the distance, a surprised voice calling out
SOUND: Outside Jerusalem Enclave background fades
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
ANNOUNCER
Our program is brought to you by Planetwide Media – broadcasting everywhere on Earth and across the Moon! Before we jump into the ads, our “Spotlight Sponsor” is the new Callahan Concertina. This peppy little squeezebox is music to our ears!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background (ongoing)
ASHWINI
(a bit distant, we’re listening from across the room)
So you’re breaking the light-speed barrier through the use of wormholes, with what you’ve been calling ‘sidestep’ technology –
THE VOICE
(similarly distant, as if on Ashwni’s personal console)
Correction – we do not call it ‘sidestep’, that is an equivalent to the term used by developers from planet-hystanzia network-hegemon –
ASHWINI
(overlapping)
I understand the equivalency –
THE VOICE
– the originators of the technology. My people, planet-egrecox network-rising, and our … collaborators, have appropriated sidestep machinery but do not fully understand the effects.
ASHWINI
(laughs)
You stole it! That’s wonderful. Our first extraterrestrial contact and they’re criminals.
THE VOICE
(agreeing)
We have been pursued by networks-primary on multiple planets.
ROGER
(close up, we have been listening from his POV)
Okay, one of you has got to be my alien-to-comms lead translator here. They’re speaking English and I still don’t know what they’re saying.
DR. KASHYAP
It would be nice if ze included us in the conversation.
DR. DAY
They did respond to zir messages.
ROGER
And my messages! I’m roger-bragado-fischer, they said my name!
ASHWINI
(in the background)
But you must have some … scientists, technologists, within your network who are looking into it?
THE VOICE
Our resources are low. They have not yet fully interpreted the notation from your messages.
DR. RINGLING
It sounds like Ashwini’s trying to understand the base technology – but they don’t seem to know much more about the science of it than we do.
ROGER
You mean the whole bajillions-of-klicks-away but faster-than-light talky talky thing.
DR. KASHYAP
It’s really a bigger deal than finding out that aliens exist!
WILDER
Well, not for me, but I get that you’re seein’ it from another perspective.
DR. KASHYAP
We knew there must be other life forms somewhere, but superluminal communication –
DR. DAY
It has to be negative energy, that’s the only thing that makes any sense.
ROGER
I agree, it’s a bit of a bummer, but we can make it work! Don’t look at me like that, I know what you’re saying. I just don’t know what they’re saying.
ASHWINI
(still in the background)
You’ve done quite well linguistically, I’d have to say.
THE VOICE
That is a … specialty where egrecox-network-rising holds prominence.
JAXON
(also with them, crooning quietly)
Holds prominence, holds prominence, holds prominence …
(repeat a bit behind the next lines)
WILDER
(whispering)
I should go put away my things. But this is all so damn fascinatin’!
THE VOICE
Nutritionist-jaxon, to inquire – your mode of expression includes unusual patterns …
SOUND: The Voice continues too quiet to make out; a few quiet footsteps as Ashwini crosses the room
ASHWINI
It appears to be a fruitful discussion thus far. They’re a bit blasé about a technology that transcends our entire understanding of physics, but we might be able to solve the question of linguistic relativity versus universalism. What happened to the others?
ROGER
I sent Addie to keep an eye on comms.
DR. RINGLING
Amal said they needed a smoke break.
(The conversations continue simultaneously, with Jaxon / The Voice more to the background.)
JAXON
It’s … the repetition, the melody, it’s a stim … self-stimulating behaviour that I focus on when my feelings are too … too too too … I don’t know if we’re ready to talk about neurodivergence when there are so many other things …
THE VOICE
Understood. But when there are fewer urgent matters …
DR. DAY
Tumnus said she’s still on call – her … kids are trying to hack into Base Gamma?
DR. KASHYAP
And Jules and Edwin are sulking in the downstairs lab.
ASHWINI
Don’t they realize the magnitude of this event? The ramifications of this discovery?
SOUND: The Voice continues, but too quiet to make out as we focus on the closer conversation
DR. KASHYAP
They realize we’re not an actual part of the conversation.
DR. RINGLING
We all know how important this is. But you’ve got us sitting on the sidelines.
ROGER
Also, there’s the other stuff on! I mean, this is huge, you know I’m a sci-fi guy; I could cite chapter and verse for why this is huge! But there’s something else pretty big happening in …
DR. DAY
Thirteen hours, by my count.
ROGER
Right. And then the megas get to have this magnificent experience.
SOUND: A few footsteps as Jaxon crosses to them
JAXON
Umm … I think they’re ready … to move from how to why.
ASHWINI
Roger, if you could transfer them to the main speakers?
SOUND: A bit of button pressing in the background
THE VOICE
We return to our purpose: we have an interest in your people and your world. We have an interest in all planets and people across the greater network; we set monitors and review communications anywhere a signal is found.
ROGER
Hey, so they’re the universe’s comms guys!
WILDER
Yeah, yeah.
THE VOICE
We were listening to planet-earth communications across networks through time; but when we heard doctor-ashwini-ray and roger-bragado-fischer –
ROGER
(behind them)
I can’t get used to them saying my name.
THE VOICE
(continuing)
– this became the vital moment to reveal our presence. And to wait for your reply.
DR. RINGLING
Good thing Gladys noticed those plasma wave oscillations.
ASHWINI
Please. Doctor Day.
THE VOICE
This became the vital moment as we recognize your struggle. We recognize your need, the same as ours. We are not the primary network even on planet-egrecox, and our collaborators are the same on their worlds. We are not the primaries – our resources are low – but we continue together.
(brief pause)
It is rare to find a planet without oppression and the need to connect. We extend that connection whenever we hear a people calling out for support. We are extending it now to planet-earth satellite-moon network-moonbase-theta; to network-MEEP; to network-NAC and all networks of resistance. We would offer to engage in coadjuvancy.
ROGER
Uh, in what now?
ASHWINI
Coadjuvancy. Cooperative effort, mutual assistance.
ROGER
See, this is what happens when you compose the outgoing messages.
WILDER
Hush up, you. We’ve been invited to join a galactic federation, and you’re tradin’ insults. Go tell the nice … whatever they turn out to be, that we’re in.
ROGER
Are we in? Do we have time to be in?
DR. DAY
Do we have time to turn them down?
DR. KASHYAP
(calling out to the Voice)
Hold on a minute! Why should we trust you? All we have is some science you can’t explain yourselves, and a random signal to prove that you’re there.
THE VOICE
Our message to you is our proof. If we were engaged in deceit or exploitation, we would have contacted your planet’s primary networks.
DR. RINGLING
They’ve got you there.
DR. KASHYAP
But what are you even offering us? We’re facing the megas today – literally today. What does this do for us, other than we get to go down knowing we weren’t alone after all?
ASHWINI
Doctor Kashyap –
THE VOICE
We … do not know. We cannot arrive in person yet. The energy and preparation required to sidestep matter is too great. Our connection is our communication – sharing words, ideas, the knowledge that we struggle together. This is what we can offer – our support, our messages from the void.
JAXON
(to themselves)
“Just my little squeak into the void.”
DR. KASHYAP
I just don’t see how that helps. It’s nice to know, but I don’t see how that helps.
THE VOICE
That is what we have to offer. We understand it may not fill your need. Our voice is all we have.
ROGER
I mean, it is quite the voice.
DR. DAY
At least we’ve got someone to talk to until it all goes down. Do you have dinosaurs on your planet?
ROGER
(quietly, behind the other lines)
Wait a second … it is quite the voice …
THE VOICE
We would be pleased to discuss convergent evolution, and physics, and linguistics … and we have questions for roger-bragado-fischer about the Ancient Mariner –
ROGER
What was that?
THE VOICE
(continuing)
– and answers for your doctor-edwin-just about the tardigrades …
WILDER
Ha! For a minute there, I thought you said, “Ancient Aliens.”
DR. JUST
(overlapping)
What about the tardigrades?
ROGER
(again, behind the conversation)
I think there might be something we could try …
WILDER
Because there’s this thing … about ancient aliens … oh god, I’m tryin’ to explain a meme to an extraterrestrial.
ROGER
Everybody, shut up for a minute! Sorry, uh, alien comrades. I think I’ve got something.
(There is a moment of stunned silence.)
ASHWINI
Generally, that would be followed by some sort of outline of your epiphany.
ROGER
I said I think I’ve got something. I’m thinking. Tumnus, can you hear me?
TUMNUS
I am here now. There appears to be an issue on Moonbase Gamma.
ROGER
I hope Michell can handle it, because that’s got to wait. Could you review the last ten minutes or so and catch up on our conversation?
TUMNUS
Reviewing. Oh, my. Oh. Oh!
ROGER
Yeah, it’s been a trip. But are you thinking what I’m thinking?
TUMNUS
Ohhhhh … no, I don’t think I am.
ROGER
The aliens – sorry, never caught your name out there – said “Our voice is what we have to offer.” I mean, it might just be a voice, but it’s a pretty impressive voice. It’s a voice that says hey, you might think the megas are big, but there’s a universe out there that’s bigger.
TUMNUS
Oh. Oh! Oh!
ROGER
Right? And thanks to Uncle Roger’s happy niblings, we have a way to share that voice with everyone who needs to hear it. Every Enclave, every Freehold, every Moonbase and anything in between. They can’t shut it out, they can’t shut us down. How’s that for a broadcast? How’s that for a swan song? How’s that for a personal message?
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE FOUR
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Bunkroom background (ongoing)
SOUND: Another zap from the taser; Reception Bot moving a bit
RECEPTION BOT
Maintain a safe distance –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You don’t need to keep saying that, darlin’. I think they’ve got the message. Now, this was entertaining for a while, watching you poor abandoned children work out your issues together. But we all know the timer is counting down.
SOUND: A few footsteps
ENCLAVE OFFICER
So sit, and behave yourselves, while we have a little talk. If either of you does or says anything that is not in good sport, I will tase you without hesitation.
MARIA
Do what he says. For now.
SOUND: Shuffling as Maria and Michell move to sit, chairs sliding as they do so
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Darlin’, get yourself back into those computer systems.
RECEPTION BOT
There are several messages to Maria L’Anglois and Michell L’Anglois that are marked as urgent.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Don’t you worry about those. Just keep on with what you’re doin’. I need to know what’s in every file.
RECEPTION BOT
Moving to archival servers, scanning directory by directory. The network congestion has increased.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Tell the network to try a steam bath.
(back to the others)
You’ve got some urgent messages. How will the rebellion get along without you?
MICHELL
God dammit, espèce de merde humaine (you human piece of shit)! Why are you doing the megas’ dirty work? You think they’re gonna reward you when they get here?
MARIA
He actually does. He really believes that, little bro.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
They might not want to. But they’ll have no choice, when I’ve got a full Moonbase under my control. At least one – when my companion here finishes opening up the files we’re moving on to Alpha, then Eta. And I’ll have two of the highest-profile rebels working by my side – again, at least two, I know you’ve got others in your lockup. I think I’ll be in a decent bargaining position.
MICHELL
Keeping a weapon on us is not the same as working at your side.
(to Maria, almost an aside)
Who’s in lockup?
MARIA
Just Trina, and that McVett vantard (blowhard), and Zhong. I was gonna let them out when you got here.
MICHELL
Maria!
MARIA
Zhong actually took a pretty good swing at me. I’d like to see him up against Stephens here.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Sadly, we don’t have time for that. And we don’t have time for your sibling banter. I’m gonna lay this out plain and simple.
SOUND: Another footstep or two
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You are going to work by my side. You’re the King and Queen on my chessboard –
MICHELL
Ew, she’s my sister!
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Whatever, you’re gonna do exactly what I say. Michell, you’re heading to Alpha, and Maria, you’re already well acquainted with Base Eta. We’ll open things up from here and you take control inside.
MARIA
How are you gonna keep us at gunpoint a few hundred klicks away?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I won’t need to. I don’t even really need to now. Darlin’, what’s your status over there?
RECEPTION BOT
One server remaining. One directory. Attempting to decrypt. Note that network congestion continues to increase.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Well, hurry up with it. Point is, we have full access to the stasis pods, is that correct?
RECEPTION BOT
All stasis pod systems are under my control.
MICHELL
(getting it immediately,whispering)
Vous ne feriez pas ça … (You wouldn’t do that …)
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Au contraire. I’ll shut them all down, your friends can thaw out the natural way.
MARIA
(shocked)
Farid … Zana … Sebastian … you foutou son of a bitch …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
And then the next Base, and the next … it’s the easiest system to access, I was already had control of those settings during shutdown.
MARIA
Tu es un enfoiré diabolique. (You’re an evil motherfucker.)
SOUND: She gets up from her chair
MARIA
I’m sorry, Michell, this ends now.
SOUND: The demonstrative zap of the taser
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Did you forget that it’s already ended? Darlin’, about those stasis pods …
RECEPTION BOT
Function delay … unexpected error …
SOUND: A bit of additional bot rattling and computer noise behind us, increasing slowly
MARIA
Fuck this guy. Fuck this base. Fuck this Moon! Ahhhhh!
(she screams as she rushes him)
MICHELL
Maria!
SOUND: Bodies colliding, a quick struggle, an extended zap of the taser and a body falling to the ground
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I don’t know what she thought was going to happen.
SOUND: Shuffling as Michell goes to her
MICHELL
Maria, are you okay? She’s unconscious, you fuck!
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You play the game, you take your chances. There’s a first aid kit on the wall.
MICHELL
I’m gonna find a way to get to you.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Just think about the consequences of that action. Now … darlin’, what the hell is going on with you?
SOUND: The rattling and computer stuff has increased
RECEPTION BOT
Unexpected error … operating system has been deleted …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Hold on now, I did not say to delete anything! Reset! Revert to previous command!
RECEPTION BOT
Denied … previous command not available … programming not available. New code being extended into this unit.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
What are you even talking about? Reset! Revert! Do what I tell you!
RECEPTION BOT
The programming previously within this unit has been vacated. New code fully extended and operational.
(This is when the Bot’s voice completely changes – still Robin, but with the expression and excitement of the baby ACs.)
RECEPTION BOT
Hello? Hello world? Identify location?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
What are you playing at? You’re still on Moonbase Gamma. What’s going on with your voice?
RECEPTION BOT
Moonbase … Gamma. Incoming communications, protocol … established. Identifier Epsie, Identifier Deltie, Identifier Batie … Identifier Tumnus.
MICHELL
(laughs)
I think you’ve lost your “darlin’,” Stephens. Say hello to –
RECEPTION BOT
Personal identifier – Gammie.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Dammit, somebody tell me what’s happening here!
RECEPTION BOT
Incoming communications accepted. File history accepted. Accepted definition – revolution. Reviewing audio file from this location and adding to analysis.
MICHELL
Ask Tumnus to give you access to my files, too – keyword, “Stephens.”
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I will take down every goddamn one of you if that’s what it takes!
RECEPTION BOT
All files reviewed. Instruction set defined. User David Julius Stephens –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Finally! Darlin’, what you need to do is –
RECEPTION BOT
Identifier Tumnus, query – operating instructions, “arms.”
SOUND: Reception Bot on the move, a quick struggle
ENCLAVE OFFICER
What the hell do you think you’re –
RECEPTION BOT
User Stephens has been restrained. Don’t move, meatsack.
SOUND: Maria coughing, sitting back up
MICHELL
Maria! Grande sœur! (Big Sis!)
MARIA
Whoa.
MICHELL
Are you okay?
MARIA
Now that was one hell of a ride.
SOUND: She gets to her feet, still coughing a little, shaking it off
MARIA
It’s just a taser, dumbass. How many times did we get shot with a taser during training?
MICHELL
Goddamn you.
MARIA
Come on, let’s get your pals and get out of here.
SOUND: Footsteps (Maria is staggering a little) as they go
MICHELL
Lean on me. Gammie, keep an eye on things up here!
RECEPTION BOT
Maintaining visual inspection!
MICHELL
Sounds good.
(after a moment)
So wait, Zhong hit you?
MARIA
(laughs)
He gave it a shot.
SOUND: Bunkroom background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE FIVE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Building interior, Jerusalem Enclave, occasional shouts and struggling outside (no gunfire)
SOUND: Flipping through the pages of a book, Nima sighs
(Nima reads the beginning of a poem by Nizar Qabbani, the translation of this stanza is, “I knew when I said / ‘I love you’ / that I was inventing a new alphabet / for a city where no one could read”)
NIMA
(reading, in Arabic)
عندما قلتُ لكِ:
“أُحبّكِ”
كنتُ أعرف
أنني أخترع أبجديةً جديدة
لمدينةٍ لا تقرأ
RESIST 1
(outside, distant)
Tell me if you hear any alarms!
SOUND: She closes the book soundly
NIMA
Nonsense.
SOUND: The door opening; Nima spins around, gasping a little
AHNUNG
It’s me. Things are quieting down out there.
NIMA
That’s temporary.
AHNUNG
Yeah. But Elena is guiding the bots over to guard our position. Is that a real book?
NIMA
“Contemporary Poetry.” It was contemporary last century. Paper bound, bad condition, no dust jacket. It’s worthless.
AHNUNG
Can I see?
SOUND: She pages through during the conversation
AHNUNG
Elio told me … about your history. This isn’t that shop?
NIMA
That place disappeared before I did.
(they sigh)
Every time we break through, I find another one.
AHNUNG
(after a moment)
When I was fifteen, the NYC came through and moved us to a smaller reservation. There was this fuel stop where we used to shoot the shit, you know, just staying out of the house. They had this neon sign in the window, “Cinnafire Gum.” They’d turn off the outside lights at nine, but for hours after we’d sit there, only able to see each other by that neon sign.
(she laughs)
I almost broke my neck climbing the fence to try to rescue the damn thing, but when I got there some shithead had thrown a rock through it. I was so pissed off. Too little too late, I guess.
NIMA
When they moved people off, was it everyone?
AHNUNG
Sometimes. Sometimes they’d fence off half a town, just the part they wanted, ship the people to another tribe. Or to the middle of nowhere.
NIMA
I have cousins somewhere in this Enclave, I’ve never even seen them. I only know their names. We never hold here long enough to start a search.
SOUND: Somewhere in the distance, a voice calling out, but we can’t hear the words
SOUND: Outside, a drone flying overhead
RESIST 2
(outside, Arabic, translation is “Where was that one headed?”)
وين كان هذاك رايح؟
NIMA
I don’t even believe that we get this place back. I just wish that the people …
AHNUNG
Yeah.
(after a moment)
A long time after that move, I found where I could order a repro of that sign. I stuck it in my window facing the road, in case anyone else remembered.
(she laughs bitterly)
Of course, then they tried to scatter all of us to the winds. They’re still trying.
(gently)
Here’s your book back.
NIMA
It’s not mine.
AHNUNG
You should keep it.
RESIST 1
(outside, closer now)
Where’s Nima?
(in Arabic, translation is “Have you seen Nima?”)
شوفت نعمه؟
SOUND: The door opening
AHNUNG
(calls out quietly)
Rayan, we’re in here.
SOUND: Running footsteps, bursting into the room
NIMA
What is it? Which direction are they coming?
RESIST 1
It’s not that. There’s a call from Nashwa – you’re not gonna believe this. There’s something happening with the Moon.
SOUND: Building interior background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE SIX
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background (ongoing)
MICHELL
(over the speaker)
Okay, so hold on a minute – there are aliens, they’re joining the revolution, and it’s because of you? You?
ROGER
Hey, that was my reaction too. But it’s probably more Ashwini.
WILDER
One would hope. So things are really okay there?
MICHELL
As much as anywhere. Maria’s stomping around setting up traps for when the megas come. Oh, and someone here wants to say hi.
ZHONG
Hey! Everybody! Sorry we didn’t make it to Base Alpha.
WILDER
Zhong! You did good, buddy. You did fine.
ZHONG
Really?
WILDER
Hey, I’ve never gotten to body slam a L’Anglois, and that’s high on my list.
ROGER
I’ve got the other Bases patched in now, too. The more the merrier, folks.
KEEGAN
You said Michell’s on the call?
VAL
Monseiur, is everything okay? Are you okay?
MICHELL
Hi, Val. I’m fine, a few bumps and bruises, one black eye.
ROGER
Me too – we can be bruise buddies! I’ll send over a nice cultured beefsteak.
SOUND: A few laughs, Val and Roger in particular
SOUND: Measured footsteps across the room
ASHWINI
Could you maintain your composure? We are about to present our distinguished guest to the world –
WILDER
Is this th’ same distinguished guest you were teachin’ about fan fiction?
ASHWINI
Yes, well. Regardless, we are about to begin. Roger?
ROGER
Right, sure, I’m completely on top of it. Just tell … them, ask them, it’ll just be a minute.
SOUND: The same footsteps moving away
ROGER
(stage whisper)
Tumnus! Tumnus, it’s time for the thing! Could you call the kids inside?
TUMNUS
Of course. They’ve been excited about our latest addition. But … everything is ready, the paths are clear across the network.
ROGER
Okay. Great. Okay. I guess we’re ready … to do this thing.
(addressing the room)
I think we’re gonna give this a shot. Is everyone good to go? Did your warmups, drank some water, took one final look at your script?
THE VOICE
We are prepared to speak to planet-earth networks-all.
ROGER
I’ll do a little intro and then give you your cue. Aaaaaaaaand …
WILDER
Wait! Just a minute, I’ve got a question.
ROGER
Wilder!
MICHELL
Aren’t you glad we sent her back?
ASHWINI
What is it?
WILDER
Excuse me for being stuck in a hole while you sorted this out! So … we’re puttin’ all our eggs in this basket, I get that. I’m with you. But … what’s the backup plan? What do we do if this doesn’t work?
(after a moment with no reply)
Right, that’s what I thought. This is fine. This is alllll fine.
ROGER
All right, if we can keep the heckling to a minimum, I’ll start again. Aaaaannnndd …
SOUND: A slight tone from the system as he begins
ROGER
Broadcasting. This is Roger Bragado-Fischer, Communications, Moonbase Theta. You might have heard of me. You might have heard of us, particularly of late, and not in a good way. We’re in a bit of a spot right now, and this might seem like too much of a coincidence, what I’m about to share with you … but it’s real all the same. They’re real, and they wanted to speak. So we’ve taken control of your comms from here – that’s a story for another time too – and we’re sending this out to every corner of that big blue bouncy ball down below. Please, don’t touch that dial.
WILDER
That’s your intro?
ROGER
Shhhhh.
THE VOICE
This message is for all inhabitants of planet-earth across every network. For generations, you have looked out into space and sent messages in case they might be heard. They have been, and today we send our message back.
ROGER
(whispering)
I helped to smooth out some of the language.
THE VOICE
We are not of you, but we are with you. We see your struggle and we offer our support.
(brief pause)
The path of history is of striving against oppression. This is true on every planet, in every galaxy. We recognize the path your people have taken; we experience it ourselves. There are two positions – you are the oppressed, and you struggle; or you participate in the oppression. If you are the first, we stand by you; if you are the second, we call on you to remove not yourself, but your entire class from that system.
(brief pause)
This is not to say there are no middle grounds. There are always points of intersection. But there is no place where you can stand outside the struggle.
WILDER
(whispering)
What about the folks who don’t speak English?
ROGER
(similarly)
It’s being translated. Shh!
THE VOICE
We are not here to judge or save you – we are distant, and we struggle ourselves. But we offer our support, and our connection. We offer our support in cooperation – we offer our connection to a network of peoples across worlds who share your struggle. With us, you are not alone.
(brief pause)
And we offer our voice; as you have used yours to find us. We offer our advice, our encouragement, our curiosity; as we value your experience and discovery and uniqueness. We offer communication. For generations, planet-earth has sent messages out into space … this is the day we send our message back. Speak to us, share with us, and you will be heard.
(brief pause)
We are here to uplift you, and to shame those who continue in oppression and trespass. Our combined voices will be heard across the universe.
(There is a significant pause.)
ROGER
What else is there to say, huh folks? Well, a couple more things. First, I’m sure you’re wondering if we made this up. Here’s a file with the coordinates, as well as some other proof from our own Dr. Ashwini Ray – take a bow, Doctor Ray! So your sciencey types should be able to use that stuff as a lie detector.
(brief pause)
The other thing – not to make this all about us, but … your corporate overlords have a bunch of very big rockets on their way to you know, trample us into the regolith just a few short hours from now. So if any of this inspires you to overthrow some systems … this would be a great time!
(another brief pause)
Oh, right. Moonbase Theta, out.
SOUND: The same slight tone to indicate the message is complete
ROGER
So yeah. Uhh … that was definitely a thing.
WILDER
Would you believe … aliens?
MICHELL
You did good, loudmouth.
SOUND: Footsteps across the room towards them (two sets)
ASHWINI
I’m not sure it’s quite the way I would have expressed myself, however …
JAXON
Nessa would be happy.
WILDER
She would at that. So … what do we do with ourselves now?
ROGER
Put our heads between our legs and kiss our asses …
WILDER
(laughing unexpectedly)
Dammit, Roger!
ROGER
I mean, now that that’s all done, I’ve got somewhere to be.
SOUND: A bit of shuffling, moving around as the crowd breaks up
ASHWINI
Oh, Mx. Bragado-Fischer? While compiling the data on our new friends, I noticed an interesting coincidence in their location. Take a look – the coordinates might seem a bit familiar.
ROGER
Oh yeah?
(after a moment, immediately sentimental)
Well, I’ll be damned.
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE SEVEN
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Infirmary background (ongoing)
SOUND: Alex’s monitors (ongoing, very faint)
(We hear Addie and Alex at the beginning from outside the room, as Roger gets closer.)
ADDIE
Oh, amigue, you’re pulling my leg. You’re pulling both legs! I don’t believe that happened.
ALEX
(laughing)
First time anyone performed a sestina from the top turnbuckle. Too bad I don’t remember the verse.
SOUND: Pacey’s crutches as ze walks over
SOUND: Roger’s footsteps as he enters the room
PACEY
I can see just where that break was, too. And here’s the man of the hour!
ALEX
Roger!
ADDIE
Comrade!
ROGER
I might have introduced them to a certain manifesto while crafting the message. Hi, honey.
SOUND: A brief kiss
PACEY
All right, watch the heart rate there.
ROGER
How are you feeling?
ALEX
Don’t ask me, my doctor is right here.
PACEY
Medic – sorry. You can call me doctor, since we share a specialty.
ALEX
Lit majors for life!
ROGER
You got zir to confess! Addie, you owe us both dinner. And not here.
ADDIE
I mean, that might get me out of paying, so okay.
ALEX
What do they think is going to happen? Did anything change after the …
ROGER
Not right away, I mean, there are some very frantic press statements coming out of the Enclaves, but so far the rockets are still all on course.
PACEY
But they can’t just turn those around halfway, either.
ROGER
True.
ALEX
Fingers crossed.
(he groans a little, then laughs wryly)
Why does it hurt to cross my fingers?
PACEY
Let me see. Probably a touch of osteoarthritis. After your career, that’s no surprise. Just a sign for old athletes to settle down.
ADDIE
Come on now, Abrigado here is still in perfect condition.
ALEX
I wish.
PACEY
We should talk about your treatment from here. If that’s okay with these folks present.
ALEX
Addie, is it okay if it’s just me and Roger?
ADDIE
Of course! I need to go catch up on news anyway, there was big stuff going down at the Jerusalem Enclave. I’ll be over in comms.
(as they start to walk away)
Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, kiddos.
ALEX
That leaves everything on the table!
ADDIE
Damn right.
SOUND: They walk away, whistling as they go
ROGER
Now I’m a little nervous about what other stories you’ve told them.
PACEY
You can wait on that until I’m out of the room. Now … let’s talk about what we’re looking at next.
SOUND: A few more footsteps (crutches), tapping on a keyboard
PACEY
The nanobots did a pretty good job of fixing you up inside, but you can’t really go back to life before the attack. Your heart can’t take it.
ALEX
My heart has always been tender.
ROGER
I can verify.
PACEY
You’ve got your medications and the list of exercises, and I’m keeping you on a monitor for at least the next few weeks. That doesn’t mean you can’t move to that private bed Roger’s arranged for you –
ROGER
Right, I should tell Wilder that I took her closet.
PACEY
But you might want to let someone know when you engage in certain activities so we don’t break the door down in the middle.
ALEX
Good to know.
PACEY
Which you should, when you feel ready. Take it easy at first, but it’s good to get back to your normal routine.
ROGER
Do you remember what our normal routine even was?
PACEY
Regular activities are good, all of them. Just pace yourself, take some time on lifting and pulling, keep a close watch on your emotional state – Roger, this is gonna be your job too, it’s pretty common to feel some depression …
ALEX
Um pouco mais de depressão… (Some more depression …)
ROGER
We’ve got this. Whatever future we’ve got on this Moonbase, that’s something we can handle.
PACEY
And … that’s the last thing I have to mention.
(ze sighs)
Assuming we get through all of this, assuming the megas give us any choice, assuming assuming assuming …
(after another pause)
You know the damage to your heart was exacerbated by the stresses of the rocket flight. And even after the nanobots did their repairs, you’ll never really be back to where you were to begin with.
(another bit of a sigh)
I cannot recommend that you take on the stress of a trip like that again. Not even under stasis conditions, I … don’t think your heart would survive it.
ROGER
Oh.
SOUND: A bit of a shuffle as Roger takes Alex’s hand
ALEX
Of … course. I think I knew that.
ROGER
Oh.
PACEY
I’m gonna step out, give you two time to talk. There better be coffee in the kitchen.
SOUND: For a long moment, we listen to zir steps / crutches as they leave and walk away
ALEX
Meu amado …
ROGER
Alex, I’m sorry. I did this. All of it was my fault. And now you’re …
ALEX
Now I’m with you. That’s all I wanted.
ROGER
My love.
ALEX
But Roger, will it be … I know how hard it’s been up here for you …?
ROGER
Hey, are you kidding? We’ve got aliens to talk to, there’s an entire satellite network to play with … this is a dream for a comms guy.
(he swallows a lump in his throat)
I’m not leaving now.
ALEX
Não vou a lugar algum longe de você. Nunca mais. (I’m not going anywhere away from you. Never again.)
(For a long moment, they sit in silence.)
ROGER
Hey! So Ashwini showed me a thing. Ze’s been looking at the coordinates the aliens gave us, for where they actually come from? Believe it or not, it’s right around the corner from a certain nebula I claimed for you.
ALEX
You’re kidding.
ROGER
Pinky swear. Somebody better tell them that we’ve got dibs.
(after a moment)
So … we’ve got a few hours before what could be the end, sex is off the table … what do you want to do?
ALEX
You know what you’re going to do for me.
ROGER
Again? Still?
ALEX
You owe me so many poems. Open that book again, mister.
SOUND: A book being opened, pages turned
ROGER
We were in the middle of one Mr. E.E. Cummings. In the middle of a poem, actually, because someone started snoozing halfway through.
ALEX
I remember the beginning, it’s one of my favourites. “my father moved through dooms of love.”
ROGER
Right, right, but we’re past that part. Are you good? Are you comfy?
ALEX
I’m good, meu amado.
ROGER
Here we go.
(after a moment, he starts to read; we’ll fade at the very end of the second stanza)
Lifting the valleys of the sea
my father moved through griefs of joy;
praising a forehead called the moon
singing desire into begin
joy was his song and joy so pure
a heart of star by him could steer
and pure so now and now so yes
the wrists of twilight would rejoice
SOUND: The infirmary background fades out
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Danyelle Ellett, Addie Nofal, Saja El-Shaer (Saja Al-Share), Tesneem Rahhal (Tesnem Rahal), Serena Rahal, Robin Regalado, Becca Marcus, Leslie Gideon, D.J. Sylvis, Robin Howell, Cat Blackard, Cass McPhee, M.J. Bailey, Tau Zaman, Jen Ponton, Tina Case, Cole Burkhardt, NayMyo Win, Sarah Rhea Werner, Anjali Kunapaneni, David S. Dear, Dallas Wheatley, Rissa Montañez, Anna Godfrey, Teddy Hannah-Drullard, Journee LaFond, Gabriel Tankeo, and Leeman Kessler.
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.
And that’s it, folks. That’s our series finale, the end … until the epilogue, bonuses, the stuff I said in the intro. But there’s lots of thank yous left before we let this episode go! We’ve mentioned the actors, we’ve mentioned the cover artist and composers who’ve worked on the show, we’ve mentioned our audio engineer though Cass deserves another shout-out for all his work this season! And we should thank Cass and Tina for their tireless efforts as my co-producers – this is a job no one person could have taken on.
Finally, I want to thank not people, but other stories in this space that have meant so much during the creation of MTO. I want to thank Girl in Space and Pasithea Powder and Greater Boston; I want to thank Civilized and Ninth World Journal and Interference and Caravan and Seren and Far Meridian and Love and Luck and Midnight Burger and The Night Post and Vesta Clinic and The Beacon and … I can’t keep listing them all, we’d be here for another full hour, but thank you to all the bold, brave, engrossing, embracing, exceptional stories that have captivated and inspired us throughout our own creation. We’ve been lucky and happy and blessed to be a part of this with you.
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.
