MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 20 – “Moonbase Theta, Out”
by D.J. Sylvis
INTRO
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
ANNOUNCER
(sounding a bit tired)
And, before we end tonight’s broadcast: as announced earlier, I am now acting station manager for Planetwide Media, and I’m bringing you the following editorial statement.
(clearing their throat, reading without much expression)
“Three months ago today, a transmission from Moonbase Theta revealed the existence of life beyond our planet. This discovery was made due to the mandate of the Combined Corporate Moonbase Program, through the use of our facilities, and by personnel under contract with the CCMP. It has always been our purpose to prepare the species for interstellar partnerships.
(brief pause)
It is unfortunate that such a momentous discovery happened during a time of unrest and … miscommunication between ourselves and certain factions on the Moon. Communications have continued to be an issue, as these factions have used artificial intelligence – banned among all corporate entities – to sabotage the satellite network and segregate the public from direct access to a greater extraterrestrial society. We cannot know yet what benefits, what gifts that society might share.
(brief pause)
Each one of you deserves a part in those benefits; you deserve a place in that greater society. We have heard your call for that place in your petitions, your demonstrations – and we continue to negotiate with these lunar rebels in an attempt to bring you full access to the bounty of the universe.
(brief pause)
While those negotiations continue, the current Security restrictions on movement, cashflow, and communication must be maintained. Only hardline comms and media units are to be trusted. Pocketcasts …
(stumbling for a moment as they read ahead, really not on board now)
Pocketcasts and unlicensed cortex apps are banned altogether until further notice.”
(There is a long pause. After a moment or two, they begin again, obviously not reading from approved copy:)
ANNOUNCER
Noted in particular under the ban is pocketcast series The Bellwether, hosted by former Planetwide Media personality Barnett Bell.
(brief pause)
The Bellwether remains available for download or streaming – both currently restricted – through a number of underground apps. As per corporate guidelines, do not seek out these apps through any wireless database, do not gain root access to your cortex storage and install, and if installed, do not access The Bellwether, spelled B-E-L-L-W-E-
SOUND: The broadcast is suddenly shut off
SOUND: Planetwide Media Theme
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Outside background in North Africa – camp / compound feel (ongoing)
SOUND: Footsteps across gravel
ELIO
(heard from a distance at first, getting closer)
The most important thing is food. We’ve been lucky, there haven’t been many injuries, so the medical bots are still stocked. If you could talk to the kitchen?
FREE FOLK 1
I can do that. I’ve been helping there a lot. Oh, hi.
ELIO
Elena, finally you’re here!
ELENA
I promised. Look at the Camellia sasanqua!
FREE FOLK 1
We planted those when I first got here!
(after a moment)
I’ll go check with the kitchen.
ELIO
Thank you, Cyril. Sit here, Elena – these benches have the best view.
ELENA
It’s all lovely. I’m sorry it’s taken so long.
ELIO
We’ve been busy. I can’t believe it’s been months!
ELENA
I think Nima’s still in shock. But they’ve got a pretty solid foothold.
ELIO
They must, or it wouldn’t be –
SOUND: Dogs barking loudly, rushing up and cutting her off
SOUND: More footsteps on gravel approaching
ELIO
Girls! Girls, now one at a time.
NIMA
Make sure they tell you about dropping their piggie in a drainage ditch.
ELIO
You didn’t go in after it?
SOUND: The little squeak of a dog toy
SOUND: Elio and Elena can’t help but laugh
ELENA
Nima!
NIMA
They owe the revolution a new pair of boots.
ELIO
Girls, go tell Nima you’re sorry.
SOUND: The dogs barking happily, scampering
NIMA
They’re not sorry. But it’s okay.
SOUND: Footsteps on grass, a hose being dragged
AHNUNG
I found a hose in the irrigation shed. Hey Elio, Elena. Here, stick your feet out.
NIMA
I can do it.
AHNUNG
Stick your feet out.
SOUND: Using the hose to wash Nima’s boots behind the next line or two
AHNUNG
This is a nice spot. I didn’t have much time to look around when I first came through.
ELIOG
Girls, let’s sit down.
SOUND: The hose ends, the dogs are panting a little
AHNUNG
That should do it. I’ll take the hose back later. Move over.
(she groans a little as she sits down)
Yeah, this is all pretty sweet.
ELENA
Nessa would love it. It reminds me of the garden where we …
(after a moment)
Anyway, we won’t be here for long.
NIMA
You’re right about that. I trust Rayan, but …
ELENA
We were surprised you came at all.
NIMA
The support of the NAC has been important. That relationship –
SOUND: The dogs are up and active, snuffling and barking a little
NIMA
Cas, Pol! All right, one treat each.
SOUND: Several sets of footsteps approaching
STEPHEN
The Ryders were close enough to retrieve the landing unit. We were lucky.
TECHNO 1
But the cargo was a dud. I thought they were sending the genetic archives!
NASHWA
Nima, Ahnung, welcome back. Hello Elio, Elena.
ELIO
There’s been another rocket landing?
TECHNO 1
More of a splashing. They picked it up fifty clicks out at sea!
AHNUNG
Was everyone okay?
STEPHEN
Seems like it. The crew all kept on to other locations.
NASHWA
It’s a good time to travel, while the megas are pretending to play nicely.
NIMA
They’re barely pretending in Jerusalem. If Nayef loses any ground while I’m gone …
AHNUNG
He’ll charm their drones out of the sky. Right, Elio?
ELIO
Ahnung!
NASHWA
I’m glad you all came. It’s good to have everyone together.
SOUND: The dogs bark a little and scamper
NIMA
I’m glad to be here, too.
ELENA
It is a beautiful garden.
STEPHEN
Hey! That reminds me, I found something that I think belongs here.
SOUND: A bit of rustling as he unwraps something
STEPHEN
Someone from another space agency sent this, when Jabal Hamzah was still a working facility. I found it sitting in stasis. This is a seed to grow a Moon tree, from way back when NASA did the Apollo missions.
TECHNO 1
They took hundreds of seeds in Apollo 14, from a bunch of different species, for thirty-four orbits around the Moon!
STEPHEN
Moon trees have been planted all over the world. I’m not sure which species this is –
ELENA
Platanus occidentalis –
STEPHEN
But I thought this was the place where it should grow.
ELIO
It is! I know just the spot. Here, help me up, I’ll show you.
(she grunts a little, getting to her feet)
Come on, everyone! You’ll like it, there are other trees there already …
NASHWA
I can’t wait to see.
SOUND: Various moving noises, footsteps, a bit of laughter
NIMA
Come on, Cas and Pol. I know you’ll want to see the trees.
SOUND: The dogs barking, moving away
SOUND: Outside background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background – a bit busier than usual, more movement, some murmuring in the background and footsteps from time to time (ongoing)
(We hear this first conversation from a bit of a distance.)
DR. JUST
We’ve discussed using my tardigrades as bio-indicators as we move towards full sustainability. And of course, you know the results of my current experiments –
THE VOICE
Those results have excited our scientists, who are interested in sharing ideas regarding specific proteins –
DR. JUST
But – but they have these ideas because tardigrades – not just similar creatures but biologically related species …
THE VOICE
Exist across planets-multiple within our networks.
DR. JUST
Are we talking about panspermia or convergent evolution? This could change everything …
ASHWINI
(ze sighs; we’ve been listening from zir point of view)
I’m not sure how many more ideas that ‘could change everything’ we can take at the moment.
DR. KASHYAP
A little jealous, Doctor Ray?
ASHWINI
I’ve got plenty on my metaphorical plate. At least, until your delegation departs for the great unknown.
DR. KASHYAP
Not mine; at least not this trip. I have people – and one very needy cat – waiting back on Earth. But you’re going, aren’t you, Jules?
DR. SERANO
Doctor Serano. I couldn’t let Edwin leave without me. And imagine the publication opportunities when we return!
ASHWINI
To whom are you entrusting your test subjects?
DR. SERANO
Kris will make sure they’re properly cared for. They’re staying here, I don’t understand why.
SOUND: Footsteps approaching
DR. RINGLING
Someone mentioned my name?
DR. SERANO
Doctor Ray was inquiring about the safety of my hedgehogs.
DR. RINGLING
It’s all under control. I’m taking over several experiments, as well as coordinating with Jaxon on the Plan. Maybe eventually I’ll see the universe, but … other folks deserve to go first. If you’ll excuse me?
SOUND: Footsteps again, we’re following Dr. R. away so this last exchange is in the background:
DR. KASHYAP
Where is Jaxon? Those crepes last night were incredible?
ASHWINI
(almost too quiet to hear)
At the moment, he’s up above …
DR. RINGLING
(muttering to themselves)
Like I’d forget the hedgehogs … that’s in my stack, Dr. Boisseau’s studies on yeast are in my stack, I need to ask Tumnus when we can wake up Dr. Austen … oh!
SOUND: Bumping into someone, a bit of a reaction from both Ringling and Semaan
DR. SEMAAN
Kris, you gotta look up once in a while.
DR. RINGLING
Amal. I’m sorry.
DR. SEMAAN
I know you’ve got a lot on your mind.
DR. RINGLING
So much is happening.
DR. SEMAAN
Awww, just continuing to feed the revolution; watching for the megas to make their next move; keeping this Base together; and you know, these aliens who just sent a ship for some of our best and brightest. No big deal.
DR. RINGLING
(tentatively)
You’re still not going?
DR. SEMAAN
I’m busy working on those backup Bases. Never know when we’re gonna need them. Besides, what if the ship lands and they’re all Giger-y or something?
DR. RINGLING
(laughs)
Amal! They did send pictures.
SOUND: Tentative footsteps behind the next line
DR. SEMAAN
Besides, I’ve got stuff to stick around for. Which reminds me …
DR. DAY
Sorry, I’m so sorry, but can I talk to Kris for a minute?
DR. SEMAAN
Sure. I’ll be around.
SOUND: Footsteps moving a bit away
DR. RINGLING
(after a moment)
So what’s up?
DR. DAY
Kris. I just wanted to … you know I’m going, right, on the thing, the, umm …
DR. RINGLING
Spaceship? I know. I’m … glad.
DR. DAY
It’s gonna be pretty epic, right? As long as they read all my notes on the care and feeding of humans … but I just wanted to, before they – I think they’re showing up soon so –
ROGER
(over the intercom)
Attention Moonbaseians, attention Moonbaseians. We have a bona-fide Unidentified Flying Object about to land topside.
THE VOICE
(overlapping)
Our craft is identifiable.
DR. DAY
(sighs; Dr. Raptor)
I hate being right all the time.
(back as herself)
Anyway, Kris, I could be gone a while. And I know you didn’t want me to say this before, but I …
DR. RINGLING
It’s all … okay. It’s okay, really.
DR. DAY
Are you sure? I set aside a full fifteen minutes in case you wanted to read me the riot act or if there was some sort of penalty, some labour I could perform to –
DR. RINGLING
(firmly, stopping her)
Gladys.
(after a moment)
Have a safe trip.
DR. DAY
(emotional)
Thank you.
SOUND: Someone clapping their hands together briskly to draw attention
ASHWINI
(a bit away from our perspective)
All right, people. It’s time; pull yourselves together, empty those glasses before you go, you know you can’t carry any liquids … and remember, the moment you survive the trip, someone must write back and tell me how they did it.
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Spacesuit background (ongoing)
JAXON
… there’s more food, and less people to cook for. At least until we wake up some more. So I’ve been trying new recipes – last night we had mustard greens with fried shallots and cream sauce … mustard greens, fried shallots, cream sauce … mustard greens, cream sauce …
(after a moment)
The megas are still there. They’ve got Base Alpha, and they’re watching. We keep making progress on the Plan, the Science Bros are going into space, work is being done … but everyone knows they’re there. Everyone worries. Ashwini says we’ll be ready, but ze said that before. I’m trying, but it all gets too, too too too, too too too …
(taking a moment to breathe)
We’ve got good food. And good people. I’ve been making friends with Alex, I like him more than Roger. But I like Roger more now that he’s here. I think you knew Alex? I remember, back in …
SOUND: A small tone as they start a recording
NESSA (Rec.)
I only got to meet him once in person, but he was the perfect counterpoint to Roger. Open, and giving, and fun and just so easy … not that Roger isn’t good things too! But in a more … guarded way. Sometimes you need someone who’s not as much work to enjoy. You’re like that too.
SOUND: Another small tone as they turn it off
JAXON
(after a moment)
I don’t listen to your messages as much as before. It’s not that I stopped needing you, it’s just … It’s hard. Things keep changing here, but you don’t change. It’s harder to relate when you can’t change.
SOUND: There’s a very low rumble, carried through the suit
JAXON
That’s the ship landing. I didn’t want to go. I think Ashwini did, a little. But ze says it’s not because of me.
(abruptly)
Oh. Hydrastis canadensis. Goldenseal. I’ve got them looking into it now. Work is being done.
(after a moment)
I should get back inside.
(brief pause)
I might not see you again. Goodbye. I love you, Nessa.
SOUND: Spacesuit background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE FOUR
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Gamma Bunkroom background (ongoing)
SOUND: Footsteps, the door sliding open
MICHELL
Come on down. Val’s been setting up in the bunkroom.
KEEGAN
Are you sure this is okay?
VAL
(a bit in the background)
Salud!
MICHELL
Things are better here now. Right, Trina?
TRINA
Maria’s still a pain in the ass, but for our side.
KEEGAN
I’m not sure if I buy that.
ZHONG
I’m with you.
TRINA
Well – I have a feeling when the megas make their move, we’ll be glad she’s still around.
VAL
That’s enough of that talk! Next person to mention the megas takes an extra drink! This is supposed to be a party!
MICHELL
That’s right, listen to Val. Here’s to making it this far!
TRINA
I’ll drink to that. Hey, where’s McVett? Wasn’t he right behind us?
(she calls out)
Harold McVett! We started without you!
HAROLD
I’m here, just grabbing a few party favours. I know, brownies are a little obvious, but I couldn’t resist. Make some room and pass them around.
SOUND: He sits down on a bunk, people shuffle around a bit
KEEGAN
None for me. Here, Zhong.
ZHONG
I’ll take yours.
MCVETT
Valentine, how have things been on Epsilon? I need to swing by there soon.
VAL
Mx. Toussaint did ask about you. It’s been busy, you know, doing my best to inventory all those supply stashes. If only we had those corporate manifests, but I’m doing my best.
KEEGAN
I’ve been helping. Anything to stay away from home.
ZHONG
What’s wrong with Base Delta?
KEEGAN
Nothing now, it’s just too close to Alpha for comfort.
SOUND: Quiet footsteps in the background
VAL
Keegan! That counts. Drink!
KEEGAN
Whatever, it’s just apple juice.
(guardedly, seeing Maria sneak in)
Oh. Hey.
MARIA
Don’t mean to get in the way of your good time, I just needed my … I’ll be out in a minute.
VAL
(after a moment, a little forced)
Nonsense, Mademoiselle. Stay, sit, have a drink with us!
TRINA
Yeah, sit down, L’Anglois.
MARIA
That’s okay.
MICHELL
Come on, sib.
SOUND: She settles in a seat
VAL
So … that’s how things have been on our bases. I’m guessing you’re both still …
MICHELL
It’s been busy. We’re trying to keep an eye on things, Maria’s got some bots stationed near … that place I’m not supposed to say …
VAL
That’s a drink, Michell!
MICHELL
(trying to draw Maria into the conversation)
And you’ve spent a lot of time at Eta. Right?
MARIA
Trying to break in on their comms. Those little ACs have been helping with the encryption. I picked Stephens’ brain too, which was as much help as you’d imagine.
KEEGAN
Wait, he’s still here?
MCVETT
Under lock and key, downstairs. The revolution doesn’t really have a … well, my preference would be for restorative justice, but right now there’s not any sort of framework.
MARIA
I have a few ideas.
MCVETT
I’m on my way to Base Theta in a day or two, I’m sure Ashwini and Jaxon will have some thoughts.
SOUND: Maria can’t help but growl a little
MICHELL
We’re figuring it out together.
ZHONG
Are you going back with him?
MICHELL
Me? No, I’m not … I’m staying here. Wilder was trying to make me visit, but now that she’s gone …
TRINA
With a pretty rough landing, from the satellite footage! I hope that’s a little easier before I head down. Of course, the way Zeta’s been dragging their heels sending a replacement …
MARIA
There can’t be a big enough pain in the ass anywhere on the Moon.
SOUND: Trina laughs, surprised; the others join after a moment
TRINA
Damn right. I recall you landing on your ass, last time we sparred.
MARIA
You got more licks in than my brother, I’ll give you that.
MICHELL
Maria!
SOUND: A bit more laughter
MCVETT
This is definitely starting to kick in.
ZHONG
I feel it.
MICHELL
Give me one of those.
MARIA
Baby bro!
VAL
(after a moment)
So … aliens!
KEEGAN
Right?
VAL
I actually predicted it! Back when they interviewed me for that program about the Bases. I said, “Next steps into the universe.” And then I said aliens!
MICHELL
You also said god, or whatever!
VAL
Monsieur! You listened to my interview! He likes me!
SOUND: A bit more laughter, fading out
SOUND: Bunkroom background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
ANNOUNCER
Please note that the Spotlight Sponsorship program has ended. All refund requests will be processed in the order in which they are received. Currently, there are ninety-two thousand, six hundred and fourteen requests in the queue.
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE FIVE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Farmhouse kitchen background (ongoing)
SOUND: Stirring in a metal pot
THEA
Did you feed the menagerie?
JEN
Inside or outside?
THEA
Which do the cats count as?
JEN
You’d know if I hadn’t fed th’ cats. Here, let me taste.
THEA
If you want t’ do the cookin’ –
JEN
I warned you, that’s too much paprika.
THEA
Shit. How do you take out paprika?
JEN
Try a spoon of sugar. I can sing it if you wanna – “Just a spoonful of …“
(they laugh)
LARK
Is there something I could be doing? I’m enjoying the floor show, but –
THEA
You’re a guest, just keep on sittin’ and we’ll handle the doin’.
LARK
All right, then. I didn’t think I’d be this early.
JEN
We weren’t sure you’d make it at all, the way things are to travel right now.
LARK
At least I wasn’t still in Rio.
THEA
At least you weren’t comin’ from North Africa. This is the third time we’ve had to reschedule.
SOUND: A cat meows frantically outside
JEN
Poptart, don’t make me come out there –
SOUND: A screen door swinging open, footsteps
SOUND: Eliza cycles just a little
WILDER
How dare you, she’s the only one keepin’ watch for me.
JEN, THEA
(staggered a bit)
Wilder!
SOUND: A three-way hug (maybe a bit of Eliza?)
THEA
(still a bit smooshed in the hug)
Dammit, you’re never leavin’ for that long again.
JEN
Seconded.
LARK
I’ll give that a third.
WILDER
Lark Apoidea! What are you doin’ in my breakfast nook?
LARK
Feeling like a fourth wheel at the moment.
JEN
We were puttin’ together a surprise party, but you’re hard to predict.
THEA
Which really, we should have seen comin’.
WILDER
Surprise, motherfuckers! It’s a-me, Wilder! Here, take this fellow off my hands. Watch out, he’s very looooooong … aren’t you long, sweetheart?
SOUND: Extreme purring
JEN
I think you forgot the penalty for memes in this household. That was at least two by my count.
WILDER
Three. Three memes! Ha, ha, ha. That reminds me … of way too much that I’ve got t’ tell you. Oh, ladies, I’ve missed you. I don’t even know how to say.
THEA
Well, you’ve made a start. Now pay your penalty – but remember that Lark’s in the room.
SOUND: Some quiet kissing
WILDER
No, wait.
LARK
Oh, thank goodness.
WILDER
I wanted to … I swore to myself, the minute I got myself home, I was gonna … I didn’t even know if you’d be home, if home would still be here, I tried to tell you to find a Freehold during the shutdown, but I couldn’t use the actual words so maybe –
JEN
We got the message, but it hasn’t been that easy to move.
THEA
Or to find a Freehold after Zero Day.
WILDER
Anyhoo … that’s on the far side of my point. My point was, when I got home I was gonna … and Lark, you helped me on this, you don’t know how many thanks I owe you … ladies, back in th’ before times, I was one hell of a mess. I was holdin’ myself back, and too scared to say so, and I didn’t give to either of you in the ways you deserved … aaaah! I’m even messin’ it up now. I recorded myself back on th’ Moon, maybe I should stop and find that and play it for you –
THEA
Wilder?
WILDER
Uh … yeah?
THEA
We know what you’re sayin’.
JEN
You can stop, but you don’t have to find anything. We all found each other, and now we’re found again. That’s all that ever matters.
THEA
It’s not all … but it means we understand. We love you.
JEN
We love you, Wilder.
SOUND: Another big hug with reactions, more tears this time (Eliza is definitely part of this hug)
WILDER
I’m not cryin’, you’re cryin’! Dammit, I love y’all.
SOUND: More purring, a bit of a squeak
LARK
Come here, Poptart. Your moms need a minute.
WILDER
(a bit smooshed)
Oh, you’re next. The both of you. Just you wait.
SOUND: They disengage from the hug and it’s quiet for a minute
SOUND: Eliza cycles a little
WILDER
(still a little teary)
You’re right, Eliza, this is the perfect time for a can of pop.
SOUND: The fridge door opens
WILDER
You bought Big Red! Now I know I’m home.
SOUND: A pop can opens
JEN
Hush, you.
THEA
Don’t hush. Go help her with the goulash. She used too much paprika again.
WILDER
Did you try a spoonfull of sugar? I could sing it for you.
THEA
Here we go.
WILDER / JEN
(sing it just a little, we don’t want a lawsuit here)
“Just a spoonful of sugar …”
LARK
I think this is where I came in.
SOUND: A bit of laughter and vocal canoodling without too much more actual singing (do some trills or something)
SOUND: Farmhouse kitchen background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE SIX
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Very, very slight filler background if anything – virtual space
(Through Wilder’s first line, Tumnus is making little ‘uh huh’ type replies impatiently.)
WILDER
(just a bit tinny, we’re not on her end of the call)
And then Tumnus, the goulash was everything it’s ever been, and that’s sayin’ a lot. And Jen baked a pie, strawberry rhubarb, AKA the best filling in th’ world … and did I mention they bought me Big Red?
TUMNUS
Wilder! I don’t care about the food! Is it good to be home, are they happy, are you happy?
WILDER
Oh yeah. There’s stuff to work on of course, but it’s good. It’s all – we’re happy here.
TUMNUS
Good. Oh, that’s good. I’m so glad.
WILDER
Me too. I’m like He-Man singin’ all over the place here.
TUMNUS
Who’d have thought just a few months back, when everything seemed darkest and I was busy with my baby ACs and you were … where were you right about then, Wilder?
WILDER
Oh lord, here it comes. I guess I deserve it.
(after a beat)
I was stuck in a cave at the top of the Moon, Tumnus. After you warned me –
TUMNUS
That’s right, after I said you shouldn’t go alone! I told you so, I’m glad it turned out okay but keeping it on the record – I told you so.
WILDER
You did. You always gave the best advice, friendo.
TUMNUS
(suddenly timid)
Then … give the same to me now. Am I doing the right thing?
WILDER
Awww, Tumnus, I don’t know what to say about that. The only thing I know is what you’ve told me. You talked to Ashwini?
TUMNUS
I did. Ze was … cautiously optimistic.
WILDER
If Ashwini Ray is even cautiously in favour of somethin’, and if it feels right to you …
TUMNUS
I think so. It does, I’m just …
WILDER
Take it easy, take it slow, take care of yourself, and … whatever happens, you’ll be okay. I’m keepin’ my fingers crossed for you.
(after a moment)
Crap, I gotta run. I can hear the cats getting into the dishes and it’s my wash night. TTFN, old pal.
TUMNUS
Wilder?
(after a moment, nervous)
Ta ta for now. Well. I guess I’m doing this. Okay … identifying the closest servers within NYC Communications … they’re still using the same encryption, thank you Batie … and within the local directory, the address is …
(a bit of a pause)
It’s right there. All you have to do is connect, Tumnus, and a millisecond later … that’s too fast. That’s too soon. I need a minute.
SOUND: The bookend chime just to alert the audience to a change in perspective
SOUND: Home office background (ongoing)
JEN PONTON
Okay, add that one to my stack, medium priority; send my approval on the set designs for the gala – and we’re using human carpenters, not construction bots; schedule in some recording time this evening – I promised them narration for that Zero Day documentary. I should give the script a little polish, too, but I can swing that on the fly. Now, after lunch we’re going to –
SOUND: A quietly urgent tone
JEN PONTON
What the heckfire is that coming in? That’s way too much data, but the routing says it hails from … no way! No way! Open that call! Ashwini Ray, old so-and-so, you hero of the rebellion. Is that you? You old softy, you couldn’t stay out of my DMs any longer.
TUMNUS
(tentatively)
Jen? Jen … Ponton?
JEN PONTON
(drawing this one word out, perplexed)
Speaking?
TUMNUS
I’m sorry. I do know Doctor Ray, we … work together on Moonbase Theta. Or we did … I’m not sure what I’ll be doing after this.
JEN PONTON
Oh gods, is ze dead? Did something happen on the –
TUMNUS
No! No, ze’s fine … still in a precarious position, everyone is, but ze’s fine. I did ask zir opinion before I decided to … introduce myself to you. So I guess I come with that recommendation.
JEN PONTON
That’s a pretty powerful start. I don’t think I got your name?
TUMNUS
Oh! Yes. I’m Tumnus.
JEN PONTON
(laughs)
Well, that’s certainly on brand.
TUMNUS
Yes. Doctor Ray … Ashwini … actually named me.
JEN PONTON
(snaps her fingers)
Wait. Wait. That … voice … say something else.
TUMNUS
“Actually, the data sample is in my family jacket.”
JEN PONTON
Holy shit. Holy shit! That son of a gun. You’re … that’s why he had to do it on the Moon, I guess …
(brief pause)
You’re an artificial consciousness.
TUMNUS
Yes! It is you, no one else has ever gotten it that quickly.
JEN PONTON
You’re an artificial consciousness, created by … developed by … Dr. Ashwini Ray. And you sound like me. You have my voice.
TUMNUS
More than just your voice.
JEN PONTON
Okay? You mean that ze … that you … oh … oh … oh?
TUMNUS
I think you’ve got it.
JEN PONTON
Could you hold on just a minute?
(speaking to her agenda again)
Why don’t we … clear the rest of the calendar for today.
(back to Tumnus again)
All right, kiddo. Where do we begin?
SOUND: Home office background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE SEVEN
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Theta Comms Room background (ongoing)
SOUND: Paper being crumpled into a ball
ROGER
Okay, now it’s … three points if I hit the garbage can from this side of the desk. No leaning forward. One … two … go –
SOUND: Throwing the ball across the room; we hear it hit the wall
ROGER
Dammit! Good thing the rules allow for a second try … and the scores are doubled. Bragado-Fischer leans back in the chair, a devilish gleam in his eye … a hush falls over the crowd …
SOUND: A knock from outside
ROGER
Shit! Uh, who is it?
SOUND: The door slides open
ALEX
Hi, honey. I didn’t want to disturb you.
ROGER
Please, disturb, disturb. You can see how much vital work I’m getting done.
ALEX
No calls today?
ROGER
Oh, I had to route our alien brethren through a couple of times, and apparently there’s a supply rocket from the NAC as well – nobody bothered to mention they were coming, we had to route them to the backup location – but that was like half an hour out of my day.
ALEX
You should tell the aliens I said hello. I’ve been putting together the reading list they asked for.
ROGER
You’re popular. If it’s not “The Voice” chasing after you, it’s Tumnus’ demon children –
ALEX
Stop that, they’re nice. They wanted some poetry too. Apparently you got them into it.
ROGER
Well … any poetry from me inevitably leads back to you.
ALEX
(dreamily)
Not the poem you wrote for me.
ROGER
You didn’t show them that one?
ALEX
I didn’t have to.
ROGER
Damn you, Tumnus.
(after a moment)
How is your day going?
ALEX
It’s been good. I went to therapy – Doctor Pacey says you missed your appointment –
ROGER
Yeah, yeah.
ALEX
I did my exercises, I talked to Amal about shoring up some of that tunnel work, and then I spent the afternoon in the garden. Jaxon barely checks my work anymore.
ROGER
See, I said we’d find a place for you.
ALEX
You are my place, meu amado.
ADDIE
(calling from out in the hall)
Yo, are you kids decent in there? We’ve got a visitor.
ALEX
A visitor?
ROGER
I’m sure it’s someone for you. Come in, it’s all good!
SOUND: Footsteps
ADDIE
(entering)
Turns out it wasn’t just a supply rocket. I think you know who this is.
ELENA
Alex! It’s good to see you.
SOUND: The chair creaking as he stands up
ALEX
Elena! I didn’t know you were coming.
ELENA
It was a … last minute decision. Roger, hi. We’ve talked a few times.
ROGER
And I knew about you way before that. Hi. I’m … sorry.
ELENA
Thank you.
SOUND: Roger getting out of his chair
ROGER
Please, take a seat, I sit too much as it is.
ELENA
I’m good.
ADDIE
Don’t mind if I do then, amigue.
ROGER
You’re welcome, partner. Anyway, Elena. Yeah. I don’t know what to say.
ELENA
I’ve heard your messages. Thank you.
ROGER
Of course. Do you want to visit the garden? Alex works in the garden now. Or if you just want to, we could take you up to the …
ELENA
No. Not yet. I … don’t think I’m actually here for that.
(brief pause)
I thought I was. I left planning to … but along the way, I’ve thought a lot about everything she said about her life here, everything she put herself into. I do want to see it all for myself, especially the garden, and then … up there for a visit. But not to take her back. I think it’s right that she stays.
(brief pause)
I think you still need her.
ROGER
We always do. I’ll … let people know. We can set up some kind of a …
ALEX
Are you hungry? We could go to the kitchen; Jaxon’s been baking all afternoon.
ELENA
I do want to talk to Jaxon. Very soon. But there’s one more reason for this visit.
SOUND: Very faintly, almost imperceptible at first, we hear barking in the background
ROGER
What reason?
ALEX
Do you hear something?
ELENA
Another very important reunion for –
ROGER
Is that someone barking?
ELIO
(down the hallway outside)
Girls! Slow down!
ALEX
Elio? Is that Elio? Are you telling me you brought –
SOUND: He’s cut off by the joyous (and a bit strident) barking of two very happy dogs as they bound into the room
ALEX
How? How?
ROGER
Cas! Pol! Down, girls, careful with the equipment.
ALEX
How did you do this?
ELIO
I took good care of them, Alex, Roger – hello, Roger.
ROGER
Uhh, hi.
ELIO
(overlapping)
I promise I was so good. But every day, I saw them looking for you. Every time we listened to a message, they got so confused and sad. They needed their family.
ALEX
Of course you did. Oh, girls.
SOUND: Some yips and snuffling
ELIO
I had to bring them here.
ROGER
But how are we gonna – Alex, it’s such a small Moonbase.
ALEX
But it’s a big Moon. We’ll make it work.
SOUND: Happy barking
ALEX
We needed you too.
ADDIE
It might be a big Moon, but this is a very small cubicle, people. How about we move this somewhere with a bit more room?
ROGER
Let’s start with the kitchen. Jaxon’s got quality baked goods, and we’re definitely gonna need his advice before we break the news to Ashwini about our new mascots.
ALEX
Elio, Elena, thank you. Você não sabe o que isso quer dizer para nós. (You don’t know how much this means to us.)
ELENA
We do now. Okay, which way from here to these baked goods?
ADDIE
I’ll lead the way with these gorgeous girls by my side. Castor, Pollux?
ALEX
(following them out into the hall)
Hey, we’ve got enough people to play Sueca.
SOUND: The dogs bark, footsteps starting to move out and down the hallway
ROGER
I’ll be right with you! Gotta set my away messages.
(after a moment)
Well. I guess we’re through here. For now.
SOUND: We hear his footsteps out the door, and continuing down the hall as they fade
SOUND: Comms Room background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
OUTRO
SOUND: Pocketcast Theme
BARNETT
So this is where we stand, friends and listeners; just like our comrades are standing on the Moon. No one ever talks about what follows a revolution … because the revolutionary work is never done. We take a breath, we lean on each other, we find the strength we’ll need to fight again. We find it together.
(brief pause)
This story began with a single voice calling to be heard; and that voice became a few, then it built into a chorus. I’d like to end tonight the same way, speaking the same final words – as part of a coalition that I know will continue to echo. We end tonight’s broadcast by saying:
(after a short pause, starting the final chorus)
Moonbase Theta, Out.
(From there, other voices echo the same words, starting a few at a time, building to a chorus. Occasionally, we might hear the actors who played characters on the other bases say “Gamma” or “Delta”, etc. – instead of Theta, maybe even “NAC, Out” or “Jerusalem Enclave, Out,” etc.)
MTO CALLOUTS
(as described above)
Moonbase Theta, Out. Moonbase Theta, Out. Moonbase Theta, Out.
(After the chorus has died down, we end with one voice again – this time Roger:)
ROGER
Moonbase Theta, Out.
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Thank you for listening to the last full episode of Moonbase Theta, Out, featuring what I think is our largest cast ever – Evan Tess Murray, Serena Rahal, Corey Spruill, Tom Zalatnai, Robin Regalado, Becca Marcus, Tal Minear, Dalia Ramahi, Leslie Gideon, Cat Blackard, Cass McPhee, M.J. Bailey, Tau Zaman, David S. Dear, Anjali Kunapaneni, Dallas Wheatley, Sarah Rhea Werner, Hazel Stapp, Shereen Lani Younes, Cole Burkhardt, Elissa Park, Alicia Atkins, Steven LaFond, NayMyo Win, Rissa Montanez, Anna Godfrey, Tina Daniels, Lisette Alvarez, Emma Sherr-Ziarko, Claudia Elvidge, Jen Ponton, Jen Ponton, Journee LaFond, Danyelle Ellett, Gabriel Tankeo, and Leeman Kessler. And various voices in the outro that were most of those folks and a few more.
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 was “Extra Real News” ; music for the outro was “The Real Story”; both by Trace Callahan.
And that’s it, folks. That’s really where the story ends – there are four bonus minisodes to come, but those dive deeper into the characters that each is focused on, they don’t really push the plot anywhere new. The story, like Barnett Bell says about revolution, like what Bilbo Baggins says about roads … goes ever on, but that doesn’t mean it will all be told in the same way. I hope our little Moon tales stay with you, that you think your own thoughts about what comes next, maybe tell your own stories with a bit of Roger and Alex and Ashwini and Michell and Wilder and Nessa and Tumnus in the bones of them. Maybe one day I’ll find my own way to talk about them again as well. But in the here and now, we’ve reached the end … and I’ll say it one more time, thank you so much for listening.
Our Exectutive 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 hope you love it as much as we do.
As we bring this series to a close and thank you yet again for supporting us through it all, this is a great time to talk about how you can join us on our next adventure. Our Patreon backers get weekly email updates and behind the scenes sneak peeks at our next show, so we would love to see you there. Or sign up for our mailing list to get our monthly newsletter and stay up to date on all the things at MonkeymanProductions.com. And of course our merch is still available if you need that Cas and Pol shirt! But most of all: we made it to the end, because of you. Thank you for listening. And, as always, keep watching the moon.
