WAITING FOR OCTOBER: TO THE MOON
E3: “Moonbase, Out”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER (Deej): There is a world – one of many that touches ours – known as October. One of the archetypes; one of the realities that is a source for our stories. It is not difficult to reach, if you know the way – you can experience their wildness for yourself, adventure there, and live, and love. But be wary – perhaps more than any other existence, here there be monsters …
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
ANNOUNCER (Robin): You’re listening to “To The Moon” – a Waiting for October miniseries.
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Moon surface background (ongoing)
SOUND: Breathing inside a spacesuit helmet; a minor beep
NEILSEN
Recording. Another night on the Moon. Another night with my eyes on the stars, the great legendary “out there,” the wild beyond. I’d love to take the next step spaceward, lose myself in that glittering field of possibility.
(brief pause)
But not tonight. As much as I’d love to give in to that pull, rocket towards the very mysteries of God … tonight, there is duty to be done. And I remain a servant of duty.
(brief pause)
Colonel Anders Nielsen, out.
SOUND: Another small beep; more breathing; footsteps in the sand of the Moon
SOUND: The footsteps stop; we hear a series of beeps and a massive door cycling open
SOUND: Nielsen removing the helmet of his spacesuit, a few padded footsteps
SOUND: Moonbase background (ongoing)
NIELSEN
And back inside the base. Why we sleep where we can’t lift our eyes to the midnight sky is beyond me. But let’s check in on our latest guests.
SOUND: A few more footsteps
SOUND: Muffled thumping like someone is banging on the wall
NEILSEN
(clicks his tongue a few times)
Uh, uh, uh.
SOUND: Keypad beeping, a door slides open; thumping immediately stops
NEILSEN
I don’t know what you’ve got against our bulkheads, but if you keep attacking them like that, I might find room for you in the brig after all.
BEM
(practically growling)
Why don’t you put that pistol down and we’ll take care of this old-school.
NEILSEN
Tempting … it’s been too long since I’ve grappled mano a monstrum. But there is a greater plan.
YVONNE
What greater plan? What are you gonna do with us?
NEILSEN
That is … to be determined. Right now, the important thing is to clear the board of all errant enemy pieces.
BEM
That’s why you’ve been kidnapping every monster on the moon? For some game?
NEILSEN
Only a metaphor, I assure you. My mission is deadly serious.
YVONNE
That doesn’t sound so good.
NEILSEN
I don’t suppose it would, from your side of things. But the Universe has a plan for us all. This war won’t last forever.
BEM
What war? Do you see a war going on anywhere on the Moon?
NEILSEN
As long as you’re here, and I’m here, it never ends.
BEM
You chose to stay! Why didn’t you move on with the other hyperspace nuts?
SOUND: Bem thumps on the bulkhead again
NEILSEN
Now now, remember the brig. If you’d prefer those accommodations …
YVONNE
Wait, wait a minute. Watch this!
(to herself)
Okay, Vonnie, push, don’t pull … push, don’t pull …
NEILSEN
(after a moment)
Are you expecting something to happen?
YVONNE
Apparently not.
(desperate)
You can see I’m human. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?
NEILSEN
That is a new permutation.
SOUND: A couple of steps back
NEILSEN
We’d heard there were shapeshifters on your side, but I’ve never run across one before now.
YVONNE
What?
NEILSEN
Admirable effort, though.
SOUND: More footsteps, and the door closing again
YVONNE
(shouting)
You think I’m a shapeshifter and this is what I chose? Dammit.
SOUND: She sits down heavily on a bunk
YVONNE
Sorry about the … human thing. No offense intended. I just thought …
BEM
It was worth a try. I would have fought him, but …
YVONNE
I appreciate not getting shot.
(she sighs)
What is wrong with that dude?
SOUND: Some shuffling, tapping on panels (ongoing for a while)
BEM
You know he’s not really human. Not the way you are.
YVONNE
I … guess?
BEM
That was one of the things that threw us off. I’d met some humans from your side, so I thought … okay, more tourists. Roll out the red carpets and the gift shops. But they were not the same.
YVONNE
Maybe that’s why I couldn’t affect him.
BEM
Fuck ‘em. They didn’t even know we could talk – and didn’t care when they did find out.
YVONNE
My grandparents used to watch those movies. Forbidden Planet, Invaders From Mars, Destination Moon. It was always creatures nothing like us, or guys in rubber suits where they didn’t even bother to make the mouth move.
BEM
They didn’t think much of us. Before or after. I can’t blame Hodag for getting tired of it all.
YVONNE
He was … very insistent when he found out there was trouble. There’s obviously a lot up here that’s meaningful to him.
BEM
Maybe. Honestly, I was surprised he didn’t run even further.
YVONNE
He’d be kinda hard to hide in my world.
SOUND: Some shifting around as Bem continues to look for a weak point
BEM
I’m gonna move this bunk.
SOUND: A scraping sound as the bunk is dragged away from the wall
BEM
Not your world. He could have moved on to Singularity. He could have become one of their ‘aliens’.
YVONNE
He wouldn’t have done that.
BEM
I know he had the chance. Not sure what held him back.
(after a moment)
Dammit, there’s got to be some way out of here.
YVONNE
Where to? I wasn’t up to walking much even before I got dragged across rocks for an hour.
BEM
I’m not trying to get outside. Not until after a little rescue mission.
YVONNE
Oh. Down to the brig, I’m guessing.
(after a minute)
Are we in trouble? Real trouble? It’s hard to take seriously, it’s like being captured by Buzz Lightyear or something.
BEM
I don’t know. If he’s feeling cornered, hard to say how dangerous he could get.
YVONNE
If he still thinks there’s a war going on …
BEM
It never was a war, not to us. It was an invasion.
YVONNE
Right.
(after a moment)
At least the others must know we’re gone by now.
BEM
Yeah. Here, we better move that bunk back. I’ll check the ceiling panels again.
SOUND: Bunk sliding again, fading with the background as the scene ends
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Moon surface background (ongoing)
SOUND: Robot rolling, footsteps from Hodag / Milamo / Karo
MILAMO
Come on, let’s keep it moving.
NM3
My apologies – I am not designed for speed.
MILAMO
What were you designed for? Not looks, obviously.
HODAG
Sib, let it be.
MILAMO
I’ll let it be if this thing gets moving! Or gives us a map so we can stop playing follow-the-slowpoke. They’ve got Per!
HODAG
And Yvonne.
MILAMO
Right. Sorry, Karo. All the more reason!
KARO
I’m with you.
NM3
I will attempt to increase my velocity.
SOUND: We hear its speed increase a bit, footsteps keep up
KARO
How dangerous is this guy? Yvonne can take care of herself, but …
HODAG
So can Per.
NM3
For many years after his refusal to depart, the Colonel stayed contained within the base. He paced the hallways, re-told the stories he’d lived through, past conflicts and past triumphs.
HODAG
He was caught up, but in his own story.
KARO
His own past.
MILAMO
Yeah, well. He should have stayed buried.
NM3
I agree. But eventually he became discontented. Those stories lost their grip. I think he could feel this universe changing, and I think he became … afraid.
KARO
Afraid of what?
SOUND: An internal alert from the robot cuts off its voice for a moment – followed by Neilsen’s voice coming from a speaker
SOUND: They all stop still
NIELSEN
Robotic Unit, this is Colonel Anders Nielsen, over.
NM3
(suddenly sounding robotic again)
Yes, Colonel. Awaiting instructions.
NIELSEN
Where the heck are you? You should have reported back hours ago.
NM3
Apologies. I am on my way. My current position is –
NIELSEN
Never mind, that doesn’t matter. Just report back ASAP.
SOUND: The same internal alert we heard previously, now ending the message
KARO
That was the guy? He sounds kinda …
NM3
He is discontented.
HODAG
Are you gonna get in trouble for helping us?
NM3
If he finds out, undoubtedly.
(the briefest of pauses)
I must depart.
MILAMO
Finally, it’s in a hurry. We’re here, we’re ready, we’re going.
NM3
No … I must depart.
SOUND: We hear their treads revving up much faster than before
NM3
(already moving away)
I will leave a clear trail for you to follow! My apologies!
MILAMO
(after a moment)
That son of a bitch.
KARO
We better follow it.
HODAG
Yeah, let’s get going.
MILAMO
Just a minute.
HODAG
What? You’ve been pushing the whole time –
MILAMO
Yeah. We’ll catch up, but … maybe you should go back to the house.
HODAG
What are you talking about? He’s got Per, he’s got Yvonne, we have to –
MILAMO
Karo and me can handle it. Someone should hang back, you know, just in case.
HODAG
We know where they are, what’s there to hang back …
(realizing)
No you don’t, sib. We’re not doing this.
KARO
Not doing what?
MILAMO
It’s a tactical decision. There should always be a backup plan.
HODAG
Then you wait back at the house.
KARO
Maybe we should just get moving, we can figure out –
MILAMO
This is serious, sib! I’m not messing around. Just go back and wait and we’ll get this sorted out.
HODAG
You don’t even know what you’re getting into!
SOUND: Some random footsteps back and forth through this as they face up
MILAMO
I don’t know? How long has it been since you lived up here?
HODAG
That’s bullshit. You asked me to come back! You said you needed help!
MILAMO
And you brought some! Karo’s great, they and I –
KARO
I didn’t mean to –
HODAG
Karo’s my friend! Yvonne is my friend! I’m not going back!
MILAMO
How do you think Per is gonna feel if I …
HODAG
Look, fuck you. I’m going, you can do what you want to. Karo?
SOUND: A few more footsteps
KARO
Umm, I don’t –
MILAMO
Hodag! Get back here –
SOUND: She grabs him and they scuffle together, breathing heavily
HODAG
Let … go!
MILAMO
Just … listen … listen to me!
SOUND: They’re suddenly pulled apart by Karo and the scuffling stops
KARO
Cut it out! Now!
MILAMO
I’m trying to protect you!
HODAG
That’s what you’re doing? Because it sounds like you just regret things and you want me to go away again!
KARO
That’s not what she said –
MILAMO
So go! You got out, you were safe there, just go!
HODAG
You see how she is? Why do you think I left in the first place?
KARO
Okay! You two need to talk or fight or something, but this isn’t the time or place. We’ve got folks in trouble, can we please sort that out first?
SOUND: Karo walks off at a steady pace
MILAMO
They’re right. Come on.
HODAG
Yeah. Sure.
SOUND: They both start walking, hurrying a little to catch up
SOUND: The footsteps and the background sounds fade out as the scene ends
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Moonbase background (ongoing)
SOUND: Bem poking at the ceiling panels, shifting around
YVONNE
(singing a poem to herself as in other episodes)
Inebriate of air – am I –
And Debauchee of Dew –
Reeling – thro’ endless summer days –
From inns of molten Blue –
BEM
Did you say something?
YVONNE
Nothing of any real importance. What do you think’s going on? It’s been a while since we’ve had a visit from Commander Cody out there.
BEM
I don’t know, but I’m not waiting on him.
YVONNE
Fair enough.
(brief pause, hopefully)
Do you want me to take another go at my … power thingy on you? Just as a test?
BEM
Not right now.
YVONNE
I don’t know how much it does anyway. Maybe it only works on kaiju.
(back to the poem again)
When “Landlords” turn the drunken Bee
Out of the Foxglove’s door –
(she sighs)
Oh, to be a drunken bee right now, in a field full of flowers.
SOUND: Suddenly, something Bem is poking at opens, and we hear a grating clatter to the floor
BEM
Hey now! This might be a … oh. Dammit.
YVONNE
What have you got?
BEM
I was able to pop this vent off, but I can’t really …
YVONNE
It might lead somewhere?
BEM
Maybe, but it’s a pretty tight fit.
YVONNE
Tight for a Moon monster, sure. But what about a wily, wiry librarian?
SOUND: She stands up from the bed; everything fades out quickly
SOUND: Our usual transition music
SOUND: Moonbase background (ongoing), a bit of electronics as well
NIELSEN
Tilt cameras up … up … give me a wide view. I could have sworn I saw a comet passing through that sector. Such an elegant dance through the –
SOUND: Faint in the distance, we hear the grating clatter from a moment ago
NIELSEN
What in the mysteries of the universe was that? Perhaps I should check on our –
SOUND: A door opens (basically same sound as Sc.1) and NM3 rolls in
NM3
Colonel! Robotic Unit reporting back as instructed.
NIELSEN
There you are! Very well, then. Proceed.
NM3
Colonel?
NIELSEN
You said you’re reporting back. So, report.
NM3
(nervous)
Yes sir. Of … course.
NIELSEN
(after another moment, irritable)
Did you find the others or not? My captives are expecting some sort of rescue.
NM3
Yes. About that.
(after a moment, hesitant)
As I was not provided with a description of these “others” … it is impossible to say with certainty that I have “found” them.
NIELSEN
How would I know what they look like? They’re monsters, it’s not rocket science.
NM3
Yes, but without adequate details, I can only theorize –
SOUND: Nielsen knocks on its casing
NIELSEN
Hello in there? Is something wrong with your programming? This is what happens when I let you out on your own.
NM3
You are correct, of course. I can go out and attempt to acquire more information –
NIELSEN
Robot! Give me a … doggone report! Did you see any monsters approaching the vicinity of this Moonbase?
NM3
It is impossible to accurately predict the course of –
NIELSEN
If you don’t answer directly, I’ll rearrange your circuits with a swivel-head spanner! Are? There? Monsters? Outside? This? Base?
NM3
(giving up, responding mechanically)
Based on my previous observations … there soon shall be.
NEILSEN
Thank you! It’s like pulling teeth, if you had them.
NM3
Yes, Colonel. I’ll remove myself from your presence, so as not to vex you further.
SOUND: It starts to move away, but stops when Nielsen speaks
NIELSEN
No. You get outside and set up defenses against the approaching enemy.
NM3
We … do not know they are the enemy.
NEILSEN
There’s nothing we know better.
NM3
Colonel … I hesitate to bring this up again, but I have further evidence that this conflict is considered archaic on both sides since –
NEILSEN
I’m sorry, are you a thinking machine? Did the Almighty grant you free will?
(brief pause)
That’s what I thought. Now get out there and do as instructed.
NM3
Yes, sir.
SOUND: We hear it slowly depart, and the door opening, then closing again
NEILSEN
I’ll bet they don’t put up with that in Singularity. Now … I believe I was about to …
SOUND: Footsteps, a door opening to the guest quarters
BEM
(fake casual)
Hi there. Back again, are you?
NEILSEN
No time for banter. What’s going on back there?
BEM
Nothing. Just still being captured, for the moment.
NEILSEN
What’s wrong with her?
BEM
She’s just napping.
NEILSEN
With the pillows over her head?
BEM
(after a beat)
We, uh … can’t turn off the lights, what do you expect?
SOUND: Footsteps, some scuffling
NEILSEN
Great. Another problem only I can deal with. After I find her, you’re both going down with the others.
SOUND: Fast footsteps, the door closing behind him; everything fades out fast
SOUND: Our standard transition music
SOUND: Moon surface background (ongoing)
SOUND: Footsteps on sand / rock – first one set moving into the distance, then two others (Hodag and Karo) a bit behind
SOUND: Milamo growls and kicks a rock up ahead of them
KARO
(keeping their voice down a bit)
Do you think it’s a good idea, charging in like this?
HODAG
Do you think we can stop her?
KARO
I guess not. But still …
HODAG
(calling out a bit)
Could you slow down a little? Some of us have shorter legs.
SOUND: Milamo growls again and keeps going
HODAG
Oh yeah, why wouldn’t I stay with you all these years?
KARO
It must have been a big change, moving from this down to …
HODAG
It was great. Everything I wanted to do, to care for … was there. I could look and just see it waiting for me. Look up – a little bit to the left. That’s where we launched from. You can’t see the castle, but that’s the forest, that’s the …
KARO
I see it.
(brief pause)
I guess I’m thinking of my own stuff. My … landing wasn’t quite as successful.
HODAG
You found a lot of good there.
KARO
No, I did – I just … coming back, feeling all the history …
HODAG
It’s like being a kid again. Being out of control.
KARO
Which is kind of a … mixed blessing. Is that what I mean? Trying to control everything has been one of my problems.
HODAG
No chance of that here.
KARO
Right. A mixed blessing.
SOUND: Suddenly, Milamo’s footsteps approach them quickly, then they all stop
MILAMO
Okay. It’s just down that ridge; I can see the robot waiting outside.
HODAG
Can we sneak around, maybe there’s a back door?
MILAMO
There’s no cover. You should have brought some trees back with you.
HODAG
Very funny.
SOUND: Milamo shouldering the laser rifle, a little click and charge of some sort
MILAMO
I think I can take it out from here.
KARO
Hang on –
HODAG
Milamo –
MILAMO
Don’t worry, I’ve got this.
HODAG
Put that thing down for a minute!
SOUND: A bit of a scuffle; Hodag growling
MILAMO
What the hell?
HODAG
Would you think? You shoot, we give ourselves away, and that guy’s still got Per, and Yvonne.
MILAMO
So I shoot him too. Gimme my –
HODAG
Would you listen to me?
MILAMO
Who put you in charge? Give me back my –
SOUND: Another bit of a scuffle
MILAMO
Fine. What’s your great plan, sib?
HODAG
Karo.
KARO
Me?
HODAG
Let Karo go down and try talking to it. It wanted to help us before. It was trying to fight its programming.
MILAMO
I’ll fight its programming.
KARO
Hodag, are you sure about this?
HODAG
It knows you’re not from here. You’re outside the whole thing. That can’t hurt.
KARO
Okay. I’ll … give it a try.
MILAMO
And what are we gonna do while they have a little talk?
HODAG
We stay up here. You cover Karo, I’ll stay ready just in case … and while we do that, we can have our own little talk.
SOUND: Background fades out quickly
SOUND: Standard transition music
SOUND: Moonbase corridor background (ongoing)
SOUND: Banging and struggling noises (Yvonne inside the ductwork); a sudden clang and then she falls to the ground with an OOF
YVONNE
Wow, climbing through ducts is just as much fun as it looks in the movies. My joints are screaming. And who knows where my cane ended up.
(she groans, picking herself up)
Ooooooh. Come on now, Vonnie. “Time never did Assuage -” and all that. Not sure that quote applies, but at least it’s got Time in it, and that’s what I can’t waste right now.
(brief pause)
But … do I go this way, or this way … or shit, that way too? Nice of them to put up signs. Well, that never stopped Princess Leia. Pick a direction and hope, hope, hope.
SOUND: She starts walking with some difficulty, wincing at each step
YVONNE
(trying to sing in the usual cadence)
They say that “Time assuages”—
Time never did assuage—
(stops abruptly)
Doesn’t scan the same. Emily, you dropped the ball on that one.
(brief pause)
Another fork in the road. If I were a bunch of naughty Moon monsters, which way would I be? Left. Probably left. Just keep moving, moonshine.
SOUND: A few more steps, and she stops suddenly
YVONNE
Good job, you found a door. How in the Starship Enterprise do you open these things? Make it work or I have to go back …
SOUND: We hear her scratching at the doorframe trying to figure it out
YVONNE
Probably not a good idea to knock. Maybe it’s voice activated? Hello, computer? Is there a password?
SOUND: Suddenly, the door slides open
NIELSEN
There you are.
YVONNE
Shit. Can I go back and try the other direction?
SOUND: Background fades out quickly
SOUND: Standard transition music
SOUND: Moon surface background (ongoing)
SOUND: Careful, steady walking from Karo; stopping when NM3 speaks
NM3
(robotic voice)
Halt! You have violated the perimeter of a secured facility. Armed response is imminent.
SOUND: Karo takes another couple of slow steps
KARO
Hold on. It’s just me, Karo, remember?
NM3
Intruder identified. Do not continue to advance.
SOUND: It starts to power up weapons (see effect used previously)
KARO
I’m not here to fight you.
NM3
Do not continue to advance. Armed response is imminent.
KARO
Whoa. We were okay before, remember?
NM3
I recall our previous interaction. But my instruction set has been updated, and I cannot allow you any further.
SOUND: Karo takes another step in between each of the following lines
NM3
(wavering just a little)
I cannot allow you to enter this facility.
KARO
I get that, but … your boss has some folks in there we care about. A bunch of them, in fact.
NM3
I … recognize the situation. However …
SOUND: This next Karo line should be heard as if we’re with the others now
KARO
(from a distance)
And I kinda thought you might want to help us. Like you did before.
HODAG
How’s it going down there?
MILAMO
Nobody’s gotten shot yet.
HODAG
That’s just because I took your laser gun.
MILAMO
Yeah, how about you give that back?
HODAG
Nice try.
MILAMO
(after a moment)
What did you mean, we need to have a talk?
HODAG
(sighs)
I don’t know, sib. I just … I know you’re the good one, and I’m the … sheep, or whatever. The disappointment. I ran away, and you’re the one who stayed. Bully for you.
MILAMO
Yeah, I stayed. And then the story just stopped here! Do you think that’s been fun to be stuck in the last half-century or so? Just Milamo and Per down on the farm?
HODAG
I don’t know. I can’t imagine.
MILAMO
I’m glad you can’t. But it still kinda sucks to be the one who had to – wait, it looks like something’s happening down there.
NM3
(after a moment, we’re back with them)
I appreciate your … discernment. But still, I cannot allow you to pass.
KARO
It’s not against your programming to say you want to, is it? You want to help. You want this whole thing to be done.
NM3
I do not … should not … want. I operate according to instructions.
KARO
I used to think that too. I used to think this is the only way the world works, black and white and read all over. We live the way we were written. But I’ve seen a lot lately that makes me think otherwise. Including the Endling, who told me we don’t have to stay inside the lines. Any of us.
SOUND: Karo takes another step, deliberately
NM3
I … I do not …
SOUND: It powers down its weapons
NM3
I would like to discuss this further.
SOUND: Background fades out quickly
SOUND: Standard transition music
SOUND: Moonbase corridor background (ongoing)
SOUND: Slow, plodding footsteps (Yvonne is struggling)
NIELSEN
Keep it moving. I’ve got other things I should be doing.
YVONNE
I’m doing the best I can. If you’d get me my cane, or give me a hand here –
NIELSEN
I’m not falling for your tricks. You think you’re my first monster?
YVONNE
A, obviously not, and B, again, I am human. Human face, human brain, human legs, not working so well at the moment.
SOUND: The footsteps stop for a moment
YVONNE
Well?
NIELSEN
Well what?
YVONNE
Right or left? It’s not my Moonbase.
NIELSEN
Just a minute.
YVONNE
(laughs)
You don’t know either! That’s great.
NIELSEN
You’re doing something to affect me. Go that way.
YVONNE
Make me, big shot. You’re the least scary thing I’ve seen this year.
SOUND: Nielsen turns on his blaster thingy
YVONNE
Fine, fine. Sliding along the wall in that direction.
SOUND: They continue, mostly hearing Nielsen’s footsteps at this point
YVONNE
If I could do something to you to affect you, you think I wouldn’t be using my monstery powers right now? I’d be all like – kablam – and you’d be like – ohhhhhh!
NIELSEN
I’ll just bet you would.
YVONNE
Ha! See!
NIELSEN
That’s not what I meant.
YVONNE
One point for the girl from Albany.
NIELSEN
A, there aren’t any other humans up here –
YVONNE
Did you miss the “Albany” part?
NIELSEN
And B, if you were human, you’d be on my side.
YVONNE
Well, isn’t that an enlightened viewpoint.
(after a minute)
I’m sure it’s less than fun, being up here all alone.
NIELSEN
As if you know anything about it. A life lived in a world that’s not your own, surrounded by creatures beyond all understanding, while the galaxies swirl overhead as if the entire universe is determined to pass you by. Even if you were ‘human’, how could you possibly understand?
YVONNE
Right. A world you weren’t written for. Every day it feels like it’s trying to change you, to pull you in and remake you, and if you don’t keep pushing back against that … who are you gonna be?
NIELSEN
How will you hold your place?
YVONNE
(starting to wind down, a little breathless)
You’d think, a world created by humans to begin with, there’d be more of a place for us. For you.
SOUND: For a few moments, they just walk before either speaks again
NIELSEN
I was written for this world, but then the world changed. The heavens above and below, the very Moon beneath my feet. I could have moved on, but then what was the point to begin with?
YVONNE
You could have changed, but then who have you always been?
SOUND: Very faint in the background, we start to hear voices now and then
NIELSEN
(after a moment)
We’re headed in the right direction. I can hear them now.
YVONNE
I don’t know if I can take one more corridor. I’m on my break.
SOUND: The footsteps stop
NEILSEN
(after a few moments)
If I had moved on, who says there’d even be a place for me? I’m a man caught up in history.
YVONNE
You don’t necessarily … have to be.
(no response, she tries again)
There’s got to be another way.
NIELSEN
Not from where I’m standing. Come on, now.
YVONNE
I can’t. I’m done. Just nudge me into the corner.
NIELSEN
That’s not going to happen.
YVONNE
Look at me. What kind of threat am I? I can barely walk.
NIELSEN
It’s not much further. Don’t make me get out the blaster again.
YVONNE
Okay. Okay! Could you at least give me a hand this time?
NIELSEN
Fine.
SOUND: He’s helping Yvonne to her feet
SOUND: Simultaneous with the end of her next line, we hear a punch
YVONNE
Finally, some common – COURTESY!
SOUND: We hear Nielsen groan and fall to the ground
YVONNE
Kablam.
SOUND: Karo, Hodag, Milamo, NM3 suddenly running / rolling up
HODAG
Yvonne!
KARO
(simultaneous)
Vonnie! Are you okay?
NM3
Colonel Nielsen!
YVONNE
I gave him every chance before I hit him.
SOUND: The background fades out quickly
SOUND: Standard transition music
SOUND: Moon surface background (ongoing)
SOUND: Footsteps – Karo, Yvonne, Hodag
KARO
So. A kaiju whisperer, but not so much a spaceman whisperer.
YVONNE
I tried.
HODAG
Of course you did.
YVONNE
I feel kinda bad. I mean, he’s not a human human, but …
KARO
Relatable content?
YVONNE
We all get caught up in history now and then.
KARO
Tell me about it.
SOUND: Suddenly, we hear a number of footsteps and voices and slithery monster sounds all at once, passing close by but fading out quickly
MX. HULLABALOO
I cannot believe any of this! How archaic! How tasteless! And that was only the rations!
HODAG
I guess they got things sorted out down in the brig. Mx. Hullabaloo does not sound happy!
KARO
All’s well that ends well.
HODAG
I’m glad you both came. I’m not sure I could have fixed any of this on my own.
YVONNE
What’s going to happen to Buck Rogers back there?
HODAG
Per’s gonna try to figure it out. They’re talking right now – maybe we can find some way to get him out to the stars.
KARO
I mean, you do have a friend that knows about that kind of thing …
YVONNE
Oh, Shelley would be all over that!
HODAG
I’ll have to give her a call.
YVONNE
Or … she did sound like she’d like to see you.
HODAG
Yeah … I’m gonna stay up here for a while, I think. Not for good, but …
KARO
You’ve got stuff to talk out.
HODAG
And a garden to care for. I might even see what I can bring back out on the surface. But I’ll see you again, eventually!
YVONNE
Of course you will!
HODAG
For now, I better get back inside or cooler heads may not prevail.
KARO
Let us know how it all works out!
HODAG
Of course! Keep an eye on the Moon!
SOUND: He turns and runs back toward the moonbase; Karo and Yvonne keep going
YVONNE
Well. That was interesting.
KARO
The worlds just keep on changing.
YVONNE
True that.
(after a moment)
Hey, wait. That thing Shelley built was strictly a one-way trip. How do we get back down?
SOUND: Karo laughs a little, footsteps continue
SOUND: Everything fades out as the scene ends
(The episode ends.)
ANNOUNCER: Thank you for listening to Waiting For October: To The Moon! Our slightly sci-fi, but still monster-world miniseries. This episode was produced by D.J. Sylvis, Tina Case, and Robin Regalado. D.J. wrote the scripts; Trace Callahan wrote the music and did our dialogue editing; Caroline Mincks did our sound design. Our To The Moon cover art is by Clare Bernik.
This episode featured Robin Regalado as Karo, Tina Case as Yvonne, Cass McPhee as Hodag, Sarah Rhea Werner as Bem, Jenna Rose as Milamo, Shannon Perry as NM-3, Caroline Mincks as Mx. Hullabaloo, and the dulcet tones of Josh Rubino as Colonel Anders Nielsen.
And what comes next for our monster heroes? (Okay, Vonnie’s human, but we don’t hold it against her.) We’ve been busy behind the scenes arguing plot points and writing scripts for Waiting For October Season Two – so there should be more news about that very soon! Until then, Keep Watching The … umm, October!
