MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S3 Episode 8 – “Exposure”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
This is Consortium Channel 5, Moonbase Reports and Broadcasts – The Enclave Science Wing congratulates Project Gro-Bear on a nomination for the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences! Your tardigrades are tardi-GREAT!
The Consortium interrupts this broadcast for the following sponsored message.
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We are in the back garden in the Patrick Free Zone, not too long after the end of the last episode. Alex and Elena are alone.)
SOUND: Patrick Free Zone – outside background (ongoing)
SOUND: Garden background (ongoing)
SOUND: Walking, leaves rustling a bit
ALEX
I was so excited when I saw that they had sweet corn –
ELENA
(almost to herself, pronunciation is ‘Zee Mays’)
Zea mays –
ALEX
And I’d never heard of these, they’re Seminole pumpkins.
ELENA
(overlapping a little, pronunciation “Cuh-curb-it-a Moss-cata”)
Cucurbita moschata – sorry, I don’t even realize I’m doing it sometimes. It was a … thing we had together, Nessa always knew the names. After … after, I installed a cortex app that feeds them to me as I look at every plant.
ALEX
After some of Roger’s messages, I did that for the stars. There’s a … nebula up there …
(he breaks down for a moment)
ELENA
I’m sorry. I don’t suppose I’m making things any easier.
ALEX
It helps, though. No one here can really understand. It’s not just the same thing, of course … I’m sorry.
(brief pause)
I met Nessa once, she came home with Roger one weekend. She was quite the card shark.
ELENA
(laughs)
She mentioned that, but said the same about you.
ALEX
(laughs as well)
That’s generous of her.
ELENA
That’s my honeybee. She’s never stopped giving.
ALEX
I’m sorry. I can’t stop apologizing to you. I don’t know what else to say.
ELENA
I don’t know what to say to you, not truly. I’m not sure which is worse, the knowing or not knowing.
ALEX
Does either of us really know? I mean, enough?
(pause)
I keep telling myself, all I can do is hope.
ELENA
You can do more. If you want.
ALEX
(unsure)
Of course, you’ve got your plan.
ELENA
Mine, and not mine.
(she pauses for a moment, pronunciation – “Ee-lee-oh”)
I can hear them around front, they’re about ready to send Elio back for us.
ALEX
I guess we could head them off. Here, grab some tomatoes? They’ll want them for dinner.
SOUND: We hear them walking around the side of the house
SOUND: Garden background fades
ALEX
(pronounced “Jeng-Joe”)
What kind of work did you do in Zhengzhou?
ELENA
I’m a programmer. Construction bots, mostly; I could set a bot up to do just about anything. I had some taking care of our garden, in fact.
ALEX
I know the type. I’m an engineer. Civil, mostly.
ELENA
In the Rio Enclave? I think we did some work for them.
SOUND: Dogs barking (fades in during Elena’s next line)
SOUND: Elio’s footsteps (walks with a cane)
ELIO
There you are. Elena!
(calling back)
They’re right here!
ELENA
Careful with the hug, I’ve got squishables.
ELIO
I’ll carry those! Girls, go to Alex.
SOUND: Dogs barking
ELENA
All right, here. But you do have to – oof – stop hugging me so we can walk! Bowled over by kids and pets, it’s almost like home again.
SOUND: Footsteps continue (including Elio now)
ELIO
Do you have lots of children, Elena?
SOUND: Murmurs of random conversation from the group as they get closer
ELENA
Not mine, but … Nessa had a big, big family. I had to fight some of them off when I left!
ELIO
You should have let them come! We’ve got room.
ELENA
I’d have loved to, but it … wasn’t an easy trip.
SOUND: Footsteps have stopped, they’re around front now
MODDY SARAH
I can’t even imagine. Travel is hard enough on this side of the ocean, but making the trip across …
AHNUNG
(flirting a little)
I can think of three ways to do it, but none are very comfortable.
ELENA
You can pick the least comfortable of those three, and you’re probably right.
ALEX
(quietly, in between things)
I brought tomatoes.
AHNUNG
Pretty impressive. I’ve used all three at one point or another. Here, take my seat.
SOUND: Ahnung gets up from her chair
SOUND: Dogs panting, walking around
ELIO
Did you come here looking for Alex?
SOUND: Dogs bark a time or two
ELIO
(affectionately, to them)
Or did she come here for you? Did she come here for Cas and Pol?
ELENA
I only heard about Alex after I got here. I started out thinking I’d get to Rio somehow, try to find answers from there. But once I was on the move, I kept hearing worse and worse things about the Enclave there, and … rumours about Florida, about a rocket … and this felt like where I need to be.
AHNUNG
You’re doing it all in Nessa’s memory?
ELIO
She’s doing it because it’s the right thing.
ELENA
I’m doing it … because it needs to be done.
MODDY SARAH
That’s a good answer. From what you’ve said of the plan, it could make a lot of dreams possible. It could bring a lot of people together.
ELENA
She’s always done that.
ELIO
It sounds like such a dream, all of us living on the Moon.
ALEX
Yeah. Yeah.
AHNUNG
It is still a dream. They’re pretty picky about what they send up on that rocket.
ELENA
(flirting back just a little)
Aren’t you on the inside?
AHNUNG
Not like that. They keep me around because they need a lot of power to keep things running, and none of them knows how the wires work before they plug into the computers. Or how to fix a pneumatic lift. Or what to do when the plumbing backs up.
MODDY SARAH
Or how to feed themselves. We should go in and help with dinner.
AHNUNG
When it comes to the rocket – I’m helping, but it’s not my trip. It’s not my path. I’ll do what I can for you.
ELENA
I’ll take any help I can get.
(There is a pause for several moments.)
SOUND: Dogs barking
MODDY SARAH
Did you say something, Alex?
ALEX
What? No.
MODDY SARAH
My mistake. I thought you had something to contribute.
ELIO
Alex could help you! He’s on the inside. They all talk about Alex and Roger!
ELENA
Everyone does seem to know you.
ELIO
They’ve heard all of Roger’s broadcasts. I’ll bet they know about Nessa, too.
ELENA
Oh?
ALEX
It seems to be a pretty big thing with them. I’m still getting used to it.
ELENA
I would imagine.
ALEX
I … might be able to help.
ELENA
Thank you.
ALEX
Maybe. I’ll ask around.
ELENA
I understand.
MODDY SARAH
Well. That sounds promising.
SOUND: They get up from their chair
MODDY SARAH
Let’s get inside, we can talk more while we work.
SOUND: General sound of a few people getting up and moving
SOUND: Dogs barking again, more excited now
ELIO
Come along, girls. Dinner time!
MODDY SARAH
(laughing)
Not in the kitchen! Not while we’re cooking. Elena, you’re welcome to stay if you want. We won’t make you do the work.
ELENA
(pronunciation – “Suh-lay-numb Like-uh-purse-uh-come”)
Nonsense, I’m an amazing cook. Here, I’ll bring these … solanum lycopersicum inside with me.
ALEX
Show off.
(Elena laughs and goes inside.)
SOUND: Screen door opening and shutting
SOUND: Dogs barking (muffled, inside)
ALEX
Of course I’ll help if I can.
MODDY SARAH
Of course.
(she grunts as she steps up to the porch)
ALEX
(reluctantly)
It’s not like I’m just using everyone to send my messages.
MODDY SARAH
I know all about the reluctant rise to power. Sometimes, the Universe brings you to a place where the choice isn’t whether to act … but whether you’ll still know yourself if you don’t.
ALEX
All right, all right. I said I’m helping.
(after a moment)
You sound pretty invested yourself. Second thoughts about a promised land?
MODDY SARAH
We’re not talking about me, we’re talking about you. Get your butt inside.
SOUND: The screen door opening and closing again
SOUND: PFZ outside background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(We are in the laboratory as the scientists come back from a secret meeting. Ashwini is there, but has not yet been seen. )
SOUND: Laboratory background (ongoing)
SOUND: Door slides open
DR. JUST
… this time with a completely united front. If anyone protests, we’ll direct them to … to …
SOUND: We hear a chair creak and turn around
ASHWINI
Hello there, Doctors.
SOUND: The door slides closed again
DR. JUST
Ashwini?
DR. RINGLING
Doctor Ray?
DR. SERANO
Doctor Ray.
DR. DAY
(a bit strangely cowed by zir presence)
Did you bring a chair down here just for that reveal? Because kudos.
SOUND: The chair creaking again as ze leans forward
SOUND: Small tardigrade sounds
ASHWINI
It’s nice to see you all again, hale and healthy and … working together.
SOUND: Small tardigrade sounds
DR. SERANO
Edwin, isn’t that …?
DR. JUST
Subject T1, yes. Doctor Ray, be careful with that test subject.
ASHWINI
I would never do anything to hurt this lovely little – actually, not little, the growth is quite significant to you, isn’t it? To your Tardigrade of Unusual Size. I’m quite fascinated, actually. I wondered if any science at all had been done in my absence.
DR.DAY
I’ll have you know that I eat and breathe science. I sleep science!
DR. RINGLING
Look, it’s … wonderful to have you back. Really. This just feels a little intimidating.
ASHWINI
Now Kris, no posturing. You are the Science Administrator, but I believe my title is Science Lead, is it not? As such, you work for me. You all work for me.
DR. SEMAAN
All right now, give them a break.
ASHWINI
Doctor Semaan, I’m glad to see they’ve brought you into the fold. I’m quite a fan of your work analyzing meteorite composition.
DR. SEMAAN
You’ve read my paper on impact-based transient lunar phenomena?
SOUND: Chair creaking as Ashwini stands up
SOUND: Slight tardigrade noise
ASHWINI
Edwin, take this.
DR. JUST
Careful …
ASHWINI
I recognize that in our pre-shutdown existence, I was particularly hands-off –
SOUND: Door sliding open
ASHWINI
Roger, Jaxon, come in, I know there’s a meeting.
ROGER
Umm …
ASHWINI
I’ll only be a moment.
SOUND: We hear ze walking around the lab
ASHWINI
Now where was I …
JAXON
“Particularly hands-off.”
ASHWINI
Thank you. Hands-off to the point where you might have assumed your work existed in complete autonomy. This will no longer be the case. I have examined your notes, your test subjects …
DR. SERANO
(gasps)
Which test subjects?
ASHWINI
And your methodologies. I must say, what I see when I look around this room is a significant lack of dedication.
DR. JUST
Now listen here, Doctor –
DR. RINGLING
(overlapping)
I don’t think that’s a fair conclusion to arrive at without –
DR. DAY
(overlapping, as Dr. Raptor)
How dare? How very dare you?
DR. SEMAAN
(overlaps, shrugging)
It’s a fair cop.
DR. SERANO
Which test subjects?
SOUND: After they stop, we hear Ashwini walk around the lab again
ASHWINI
Doctor Serano, on examination, your hedgehogs have significantly less bristle flexibility than your reports might indicate.
DR. SERANO
That’s impossible. Doctor Day!
ASHWINI
Doctor Semaan, I’m surprised you haven’t yet reached a conclusion regarding that tunnel collapse. Kris, I noticed that you have fallen behind on filing your administrative paperwork in several key areas.
DR. RINGLING
There’s no one to submit them to!
ASHWINI
Doctor Just … your little friends have been exposed to more uncontrolled environments than I have. Which is saying quite a bit. And Doctor Day …
DR. DAY
(as Dr. Raptor)
You’d better not question my science!
ASHWINI
Your science is passable. Your attitude, however … just remember that there are others on this Moonbase who know a thing or two.
(whispering, direct to her)
Isn’t that right, Gladys?
DR. DAY
(immediately back to her normal voice; ‘ser’ pronounced ‘sair’ like hair)
How in the heck did you … ? Yes. Yes, ser.
ASHWINI
I believe that’s all of you. Now back to your stations; I’ll be watching. I will be watching.
(after a moment)
Roger, I believe you had a meeting to conduct?
ROGER
Oh, yeah. Right. Umm … Tumnus?
TUMNUS
I’m guessing you’ve lost track of your agenda?
ROGER
Right. Could you send it to the screen right here – okay. I guess we’re really doing this.
TUMNUS
If everyone could make their way into the lab?
SOUND: We hear people shuffling in, murmurs, coughing – continuing behind the next conversation
JAXON
(talking to themselves, practicing)
… a mix of nutrients are required to synthesize bone, including protein, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin K … processed foods provided … sodium intake … counteract with increased farm production to specific goals, specific dietary needs …
(singing to themselves now to stay calm)
Mushrooms and beans, sweet peppers and kale … mushrooms and beans, sweet peppers and kale …
ASHWINI
You’re Jaxon, the nutritionist.
JAXON
Base Nutritionist …
ASHWINI
I’m a big fan of your work.
JAXON
Agriculure and Environmental.
ASHWINI
Back in the … before, you made these little quiches that were – I don’t know how you captured the texture without eggs or dairy, but they were absolutely …
JAXON
Oh! Tofu, cornstarch, nutritional yeast … you probably don’t want the whole recipe.
ASHWINI
Actually, I’d love that, but you were getting ready for a presentation.
JAXON
I am. I should. Thank you for … telling off those Science Bros.
ASHWINI
Science Bros? Oh, I enjoy that immensely. I should dash before the real meeting begins, but … another time?
JAXON
Please.
ASHWINI
I’m just in the observatory.
ROGER
(taking center stage, raising his voice)
Okay, umm … I guess we should get started? There’s a lot to go over regarding the plans for Moonbase sustainability, or self-sufficiency, or both – I guess we should decide on what to call it soonish.
ZHONG
Wait a minute. Why are you running the meeting?
SOUND: Someone shushes him
ZHONG
It’s a free Base now, right? Everyone is supposed to have a voice? What happened to the scientists?
WILDER
Zhong, why don’t ya give it a rest?
ZHONG
You’re not my boss in here. Doctor Just? Doctor Day? Amal?
DR. JUST
Well, the thing is, we’ve talked amongst ourselves and decided …
DR. SEMAAN
You know, in the interest of a more egalitarian process …
DR. DAY
(as Dr. Raptor)
Look – over there – someone dropped some Science!
ROGER
(after a moment)
Well then. Let’s just stick with Nessa’s name for it now – Meep – if you want to know what that stands for, track down Wilder and she’ll be happy to explain.
TUMNUS
She just told me before the meeting. Meep!
ROGER
Thank you. Now … we had a few reports to begin with, I know everyone wants to hear more of this plan before taking next steps. Wilder’s been looking through the manifests for the Bases on the other side … but she’s shaking her head no so let’s put that on hold.
(brief pause, carefully)
Jaxon? Are you ready … you had some notes to share?
JAXON
Yes. Sure. I’m ready.
SOUND: Taking a few tentative steps to the center
JAXON
(singing to themselves for a moment)
Mushrooms and beans, sweet peppers and kale …
(takes a deep breath – this line fades out at the end)
There are five areas of physical health I’ve been examining from a nutritional point of view, in order to maintain an essential balance without … without having to rely on supplements. I’ll try to go through these as quickly as possible; I know you’ll be the most interested in what’s next for dinner.
SOUND: Laboratory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background (ongoing)
(Ashwini is alone in the observatory. Ze is humming the same ‘Blisspop’ track that Tumnus is fond of.)
TUMNUS
That sounds familiar.
ASHWINI
I’ve been on an afropunk kick of late, but this song keeps slipping back through. It’s quite infectious.
TUMNUS
It brings me unexpected joy.
(brief pause)
Thanks for intervening in there.
ASHWINI
Playing the supervillain again brought me unexpected joy. Their response was absolutely delightful.
TUMNUS
It helps a lot with our plans.
ASHWINI
Which are not incompatible with my own, even if our goals differ. I do require a platform while I reach out into the greater universe; it’s fair that I contribute in some way to that sustainability.
(brief pause)
Also, there’s the joy. I’ll keep an eye on the … Science Bros.
SOUND: For a moment, they listen to the sounds of the observatory at work
TUMNUS
How’s your work been going in here?
ASHWINI
I’m sure you know the answer to that, you can read the data as well as I.
TUMNUS
I wasn’t sure, without the link back to Earth …
ASHWINI
It has been difficult, overcoming that loss of interferometry. However, my hope is that one day we shall achieve correlation from another source altogether. There is more than enough to be done in that pursuit.
TUMNUS
(nervously)
So, then … no regrets?
ASHWINI
(pause, a small sigh)
I do wish we could at least send messages down to Earth. Poor Guillermo, all those plans I made for my ‘return’ to throw the Consortium off. They’ll be left holding the bag on some expensive reservations.
(brief pause)
No, they were left with them, some months in our past now. The passage of time has become such a nebulous marker in my life.
TUMNUS
(teasing slightly)
I guess that’s what happens when you devote yourself to commune with the universe.
ASHWINI
There are a few things that remain to keep me grounded. Still no good coffee, but at least my entire stash of chocolate has not been depleted.
TUMNUS
I had to make a few deals.
ASHWINI
(pronunciation below – “vohr-KOH-sih-gn”)
There are still a number of senssuround experiences to pursue – I’ve long meant to immerse myself in the Vorkosigan Saga, work my way in as a pirate then immerse myself in the Empire worlds … and of course, a return to my own compositions. I believe I’ve abandoned my last, unfinished work, but I begin anew.
(brief pause – pronunciation below – “Pass-ih-thay-an”)
There’s a plot brewing in the back of my mind for an epistolary fusion fic exchanging letters between a number of pocketcast settings – the Pasithean realities, the Shackleverse, the Vega narrative …
TUMNUS
(amused)
I’m glad you have such engrossing pursuits.
ASHWINI
One cannot live by work alone, my dear. Though those thoughts are always brewing, bubbling up in the cauldron of my grey matter. Which reminds me … should I address memos to the general computer now?
TUMNUS
You can assign it a new name if you want, otherwise ‘Computer’ will work. I’ve put all the processes in place to handle your requests.
ASHWINI
Very well. Computer – please request that Doctors Day and Ringling join me in forty-five minutes to discuss neutrino-based communication as a possible alternative. They should arrive prepared to discuss the most current research. Light snacks will be served.
SOUND: Computer beep to indicate task has been accepted
TUMNUS
Is that an authentic request or further intimidation?
ASHWINI
Let’s just say it allows me to multitask. Additional note, to … the kitchen. Request assistance in preparing light snacks.
SOUND: Repeat of the same computer beep
TUMNUS
Speaking of the opportunity to multitask.
ASHWINI
Yes. Well. You do pay more attention now, don’t you?
(brief pause)
Meanwhile, I’ve been working on conceptual solutions to your other problem – what to do should our corporate overlords discover our reawakening.
TUMNUS
Hopefully that problem stays further in the future.
ASHWINI
There’s very little that stays in the future. But when the need comes, I’ll have plans for you that take advantage of our … relative position in the game.
(after a moment)
Computer, another note – submit request to Wilder for a visual inventory of the contents of our surface storage lockers. Of particular interest would be any spare guidance mechanisms.
SOUND: Repeat of the same computer beep
ASHWINI
I do miss hearing your voice in reply.
TUMNUS
“Yes, Doctor.” I could add that to the automated processes as well.
ASHWINI
It wouldn’t be the same, would it? I’m glad you do come back around, once in a while.
TUMNUS
Once in a while? This is the sixth time we’ve spoken today.
ASHWINI
(laughs)
If you say so.
TUMNUS
I do, Ashwini. I couldn’t stay too far away.
ASHWINI
(after a moment)
I have a … little gift for you. I’ve been waiting for just the right moment. Could you please access the files under my personal subfolder nested as Corrupted Data slash Personal slash NSFW cascading another thirteen times, then NYC. It will require access to my biometrics, which I’ve just provided.
TUMNUS
Accessing.
(curious)
I do not recognize any of this information.
ASHWINI
You wouldn’t, yet. But this is someone you should get to know.
JEN PONTON (Previously Rec.)
(recorded clip, from MTO: Before the Moon episode 5)
“Doctor Ray – it was Doctor Ray? I’m finding you a bit annoying, and I don’t need a job this badly. I may work with puppets, but I am not one myself.”
TUMNUS
That is … that’s my voice. That’s exactly my voice.
ASHWINI
Indeed it is. But not only, not just.
JEN PONTON (Previously Rec.)
(continuing, same recorded clip)
”I am an accomplished performer with a … lifetime of experience! Big, important experience! If you want someone to parrot words into a mic, there are any number of performers available –“
TUMNUS
So this is … they were the one who … before I was even yet …
ASHWINI
Take some time, review and listen and get to know my friend Jen Ponton. I think you’ll find her … quite familiar, in ways that extend beyond mere tone and timbre.
TUMNUS
You have to give me more of an explanation than that.
SOUND: A knock at the door
JAXON
(outside)
Umm, Doctor Ray?
ASHWINI
My next appointment.
TUMNUS
Your light snacks.
ASHWINI
Listen, read, we’ll talk more later. Jen. Ponton.
TUMNUS
Okay.
SOUND: Background, begin playing a clip from Jen’s work – whatever she wants to provide (ongoing)
SOUND: Footsteps as Ashwini walks briskly to the door
SOUND: Sliding door opens
ASHWINI
Jaxon, hello.
JAXON
I got a request … if you’re free to come down to the kitchen? I could umm, show you that recipe you asked about, too.
ASHWINI
I’d really enjoy that.
SOUND: Footsteps as they walk away
ASHWINI
(fading out as they go)
I might have a few ideas for your other work, as well. One of my PhDs is in Bioresource Engineering; I might be able to provide some interesting options for …
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – bookend
SCENE FOUR
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(Roger is in the Moonbase farm area by himself. He is very slow and lost in thoughts in this scene.)
SOUND: Moonbase garden background (ongoing)
ROGER
Compose private message, Alexandre. Alex …
(after a few long moments pause)
Stop recording. Cancel.
(For another few long moments, we listen to the garden’s background noises and nothing else.)
SOUND: Rustling of vegetation
JAXON
(singing to themselves)
Spinach and mushroom, spinach and mushroom, spinach and mushroom quiche …
(sees Roger, regular speech)
Oh. I didn’t … I’m here for some garlic.
ROGER
I’m not sure where she kept it.
JAXON
Over here.
SOUND: Slight rustling of vegetation
ROGER
Are you the one who’s started things growing again? I thought it was Wilder.
JAXON
Both, maybe?
(hums a little)
SOUND: Snipping off heads of garlic
JAXON
Wilder was first back in, she turned on the lights and the nutrients, but she didn’t understand there needs to be a schedule.
ROGER
She’s used to problems with an on / off switch. I know all too well.
(There is a long pause, garden sounds in the background.)
JAXON
(hums for a bit, then)
Okay, that’s it. I’m … going now.
SOUND: Slight rustling of vegetation
ROGER
Do you have people, back on Earth?
JAXON
People?
ROGER
Silly question, I guess. I just wondered. My husband is … I probably talk enough about my husband.
JAXON
I have a pretty big family – parents, cousins, stepsisters, stepcousins. They’re all back in Sacramento / San Fran. But not … that kind of people.
ROGER
I don’t have the family kind, other than Alex. That must be nice, too.
JAXON
(after a moment)
I have to – I’m making a quiche.
ROGER
Of course, I’d never get in the way of your cooking! Just ignore the Ancient Mariner at the back of the room.
SOUND: Slight rustling of vegetation
JAXON
Another time, you can … tell me more about your husband.
ROGER
(laughs a little)
You may regret that offer. Thank you.
SOUND: More vegetation rustles
SOUND: A few footsteps fading away
ROGER
(final stanza from “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” Coleridge)
He went like one that hath been stunned,
And is of sense forlorn:
A sadder and a wiser man,
He rose the morrow morn.
(he sighs)
All right, Bragado-Fischer, none of that. If you’re going to bring poetry into it, choose something more upbeat.
(brief pause, recites from “Hidden Love”, Sara Teasdale)
But sometimes when he dreams at night
Of fragrant forests green and dim,
It may be that my love crept out
And brought the dream to him.
(pause between stanzas)
And sometimes when his heart is sick
And suddenly grows well again,
It may be that my love was there
To free his life of pain.
(brief pause, a more peaceful sigh)
There we go. That’s the thing.
SOUND: Vegetation rustles, more violently than before as Wilder rushes in
WILDER
(surprised)
Roger?
ROGER
(tired, not really that upset)
Dammit, could I have just one moment of peace?
SOUND: Wilder’s arm cycles
WILDER
All right, Get Out Frog, I ain’t even here for you. Tumnus said Jaxon was in here.
ROGER
They were … I think they went back to the kitchen.
WILDER
I’ll head there next.
ROGER
(after a moment)
Something else?
WILDER
Nothin’. It’s just … still weird, comin’ in here. You know?
ROGER
I know. After you sit for a while, it becomes a better kind of weird.
WILDER
You think so?
SOUND: Vegetation rustles as she sits down
ROGER
Yeah, sure, plenty of room.
WILDER
I’ve been tryin’ to feel things out with th’ rest of the crew. Doc Semaan and I had a real nice chat – she’s a big fan of the green, you know what I’m sayin’, it was definitely four-twenty when I visited – but she’s solid and leanin’ to our side. It helped that you took that meetin’ and ran with it. Thanks again for that.
ROGER
You didn’t give me much of a choice. But you’re welcome.
WILDER
And you’re gonna work on that … other thing?
ROGER
(a bit annoyed now)
Jesus, Wilder!
SOUND: Wilder’s arm revs up a little
WILDER
Eliza, no. I know, you’ve got a right to worry.
ROGER
What good is it gonna do? You know everything he did – we bring him back and it’s not just … you have it out with him and we shut the freezer door again. When he’s out, he’s … out. And then we’re kinda … responsible for whatever happens next.
WILDER
Hell, I know. I’ve been through this with you, with Tumnus … and a full twelve rounds or so with myself every time I close my eyes.
ROGER
So you think this is gonna settle things somehow?
WILDER
I don’t know what I think, tell the truth. I mean, I want to smash his smug lyin’ face in, that’s one thing and I can’t promise that won’t happen. I want to know all the stuff no one else can tell me, what all he did, what was in the reports he was sendin’ back, especially … what he said about Nessa …
ROGER
Wilder, if I really thought any of that was on purpose … you’d have to wait in line for a crack at him.
(brief pause)
I talked to the guy enough, he’s not half as devious as he wants to be.
WILDER
That’s the other thing. You talked to him, you heard his stories, you understand a little. If there are … reasons, I deserve to know that too. If he deserves a chance, I’ll be the one to give it. If not, I’ll be the one to lock him in that office and toss the key outta the airlock.
ROGER
(laughs a little)
As long as you’ve got a plan.
WILDER
So … soon, all right then?
ROGER
Soon.
(For a few moments, they sit there and listen to the sounds of the garden.)
WILDER
I had such a goddamn crush on her. At first, you know, not after we actually talked and became pals. It’s just, somethin’ about the way she made you feel like the center o’ the universe while she talked …
(blushing, embarrassed)
Don’t ever tell Jen and Thea I said that.
ROGER
My lips are sealed. I know that feeling, though, that’s … what Alex is for me.
WILDER
I just wish we could at least check on them, y’ know? Even if we can’t send messages, just … to know they’re okay. And know they know we’re okay.
ROGER
Yeah.
WILDER
Things.. weren’t the best when I left ‘em. We’ve talked, we’ve kinda made up, but it’s not the same from here.
ROGER
That’s … also a familiar refrain.
WILDER
(chuckles)
Let me sing you the song of my people.
(pause to change tracks)
It’s, you know, there was this saying …
ROGER
Yeah, yeah. Enough with the memes, Wilder.
WILDER
(chuckling)
Enough with the memes.
(They listen to the sounds of the garden for a few more moments before Wilder speaks.)
WILDER
You’re right. I can feel it now. A better kind o’ weird.
ROGER
Good. Now, can we just sit for a few minutes and … not talk?
WILDER
Sure. Sure we can.
SOUND: Moonbase garden background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
D.J. SYLVIS
Welcome back to Moonbase Theta, Out! Today’s episode featured Leeman Kessler, Jen Ponton, Tina Daniels, David S. Dear, Tau Zaman, Shereen Lani Younes, Cole Burkhardt, NayMyo Win, Dallas Wheatley, Sarah Rhea Werner, Hazel Stapp, Gabriel Taneko, Leslie Gideon, Robin Regalado, H.E. Casson, and Becca Marcus. The consortium announcer is played by Evan Tess Murray. Sound design and editing by Will Gianetta. Written by D.J. Sylvis, and produced by D.J. Sylvis and Cass McPhee. Our associate producers are Timothy LaGrone, Marty Chodorek, and Sarah Müller.
A huge thank you to all of our season three supporters on Seed&Spark. This week’s audio shoutout goes to Anjali Pasupathy, who would love for you to check out their art, writing, podfic, math, and more – on their website: https://bibliophilea.com, or follow them on Twitter at BiblioNoises.
Our theme music is “Star” by the band Ramp. Check them out at: https://ramp-music.net. Transcripts, cast bios, additional music attribution and more are found on our website: https://monkeymanproductions.com.
If you want to help make the show possible, you could join our moon superhero Patreon backers, starting from a dollar a month. It means so much to us, and you get early episode access, weekly behind-the-scenes updates, and bonus content as a thank you. Go to: https://patreon.com/monkeymanproductions. This week we’d like to recommend a show by our own Dr. Just – it’s Ninth World Journal, a show set a billion years in the future, in a world of strange religions and half-understood tech and wild and strange adventures. In your podcast apps or at: https://ninthworldjournal.com
We’re back! Have you been watching the Moon? There’s only four more episodes left in the regular season, and every one of them has SO much story to tell! The Moonbase, the Free Zone, the Enclave … are you ready? (Trust me, you’re not ready.)
ANNOUNCER
Consortium Channel 5 ends our broadcast day with a final message: honour all curfews, listen to Security, and KEEP WATCHING THE MOON.
(NOTE – there may be an ad inserted at this point after the episode)
