MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 15 – “Freedom To Move”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
Moonbase Theta, Out – a Monkeyman Productions Podcast. Season 4, Episode 15 – “Freedom To Move.”
INTRO
SOUND: Pocketcast Theme – The_Real_Story.wav
SOUND: NAC Camp background (ongoing)
(Things are a little bit rough, as she’s recording from a tent at the NAC base camp.)
BARNETT
– and based on the waveform I’d say we’re back. Apologies for the equipment and the background noise, this is the first time I’ve emerged from my previously-secure location in a while. Special thanks to my old employer Planetwide Media, who did their best to doxx me by revealing I’d settled here with the NAC. Which did practically nothing, as the megas are already at their door, and haven’t been able to get past that door despite years of trying. Now. Where was I before the break? I can’t find the app with my notes –
PRODUCER
We’ve got your special guest here standing by –
BARNETT
Right, of course, thank you Dafydd – our producer Dafydd Howell, a superman if there’s ever been one –
PRODUCER
Oh, you beaut.
BARNETT
And quite right that our next interview is a special one. When I worked through official channels, we couldn’t even get the Ryders to comment on a story – now I’m face to face with the local caravan chairperson for GAC Hertz Ryder Transport, Allagash Busby. Mx. Busby, thank you for being here.
RYDER
Right on, but I gotta start with a couple of corrections. First off, “local” – local’s not really a thing for us, you’re not a Ryder if you let the dust settle. You stick with your caravan, but the path you’re gonna travel changes every season.
BARNETT
Right.
RYDER
And then, “chairperson” – walking that back or I’ll be in big trouble. Everything we do is by committee – within the group, when we’re setting terms with the megas, even family to family. We wouldn’t get far if we didn’t listen to every voice.
BARNETT
Not exactly how other corporations are structured. But you manage to work with them all, as well as groups that fall … shall we say, outside their influence –
RYDER
Yeah well, we go where the road takes us.
BARNETT
It’s a unique relationship – you stand, or yes, move constantly, outside the Enclave walls – and yet they still allow you inside. You have access they would never grant to one another.
RYDER
It’s all about those walls, you know? They set themselves up in their safe little cities, but they gave up the freedom to move. The way they’re hunkered down now, they need us more than ever.
BARNETT
(fading out at the end of this line)
That’s an excellent point, let’s talk about that. Do you find that the recent struggles, the distrust and the power imbalance fostered by Zero Day, have led to any changes in your relationship …
SOUND: Pocketcast Theme
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Inner office background (ongoing)
SOUND: Pen scratching on paper (sporadic during the first couple of lines)
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(muttering to himself)
It’s not coming together from this direction, might have to try a different approach … come on now, focus … this is what you trained for.
(exasperated sigh)
And now I’m running dry – Darlin’, where do you keep the – dammit, she’s not here.
SOUND: Pushing a button on the intercom system
RECEPTION BOT
(on speaker, not in the room)
What assistance do you require?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Where do you keep the good pens? I’m at a moment of strategic importance here.
RECEPTION BOT
Your stationery supplies are in the bottom right-hand drawer.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Of course. Now, what’s a nine-letter word for “caught up, as in a web”? Third letter’s got to be a ‘t’, and it ends with a –
RECEPTION BOT
You have directed that I am not to respond to requests related to –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Fine. How are things looking down in the field?
RECEPTION BOT
I am observing upgrades in the primary server room. Technician Ten-Twenty-Four was attempting to install a hardware lockout, but security protocols have been maintained.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
See, that’s why I need you in action. Keep things on the up and up. Talk more soon.
SOUND: A slight tone to indicate the call is cut off
SOUND: Scrabbling in a drawer
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I don’t see any pens … it’s a tangled mess down here – wait, tangled mess …
SOUND: A knock on the door; the chair creaking as he sits back up
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Lost my thought – this better be important. Come in, then!
SOUND: The door opening
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
Uhh, Mx … Ser … I’m Breaker, we’ve never, uhh …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I know who you are. Slipstream sent you?
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
Kinda … they weren’t around … and I know you wanted …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Look, Breaker, I’m busy, I hope you’re busy … what’s the status of my goddamn rocket?
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
Yeah. Uhh … we made it through the wet rehearsal – they call it wet because of the … you don’t care about that … including a static fire test, which was … well, I guess the last step, if you’re not gonna …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Are we approaching the report part of your report?
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
Sure, uhh, of course … Ser. Basically, we’re … more or less ready.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
This is why I talk to Slipstream. All I needed was, “We’re ready.” Come through the door, “We’re ready,” and Breaker, you’re free to leave again.
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
Okay. Uhh …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
What? We’re done here, unless you’re an expert on crosswords.
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
We just wanted to know … when it’s time, when you want to, uhh … who has to go with you?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I beg your pardon?
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
The rocket needs two for full, uhh, navigation … of course any of us are on call if you …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I get what you’re saying, it’s not a solo adventure. Any reason they both have to be … people?
(after a moment)
Never mind, you can leave that with me. Have a day, Breaker.
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
Yes, Ser.
SOUND: Footsteps receding; door closing
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
(quiet, very distant, surprised)
Oh, shit! Uhh …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
At least that’s something. We can move up the schedule a bit. But first …if that third letter’s a’t’ …
SOUND: Another knock at the door
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Again? Look, I promise you, it is under my control. You don’t have to be involved.
SOUND: The door opening
MONICA
Oh, I disagree with every part of that statement.
SOUND: A few footsteps
MONICA
Close your mouth, you look like someone’s pulled you up from the sea. You had to know I’d find you again before the end of things.
SOUND: The squeak of the chair as she takes a seat
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I … said that myself, not long ago. Should have known better than to speak the Devil’s name. Would you like a cup of coffee?
MONICA
I’ve given it up.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Just as well, I’m not sure which button to press.
MONICA
I did expect to see your automaton nearby; I understood you’d brought them along from Rio-Sao Paolo.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I have managed to make a few improvements. If you’d like a tour of the facility …
MONICA
I’ve just been, thank you very much. You’ve done an impressive amount of work here. I’d have thought that Zero Day depleted your resources.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
That’s why I was ready to move. I’ve been rebuilding here ever since, beefing up my stats. I knew there’d be more fights to come.
MONICA
Sooner than you think.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Bring it on, I’ll be ready.
MONICA
Will you? Because you’re out of the shadows now, no more benefit of surprise. I don’t think you’re aware of the head-on collision that’s coming.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
And what do you know about it, Monica Parker? Last you said, you were headed high on a mountain top.
MONICA
(she laughs)
You really bought all that bullshit? I didn’t think you were that easy. I thought that was just part of our little back and forth … all a part of the dance.
(her tone darkens)
Like when you pretended not to know about Addie, or where they were, or what they were doing.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Now hold on, I’m not gonna say I didn’t hide a thing or –
MONICA
All part of the game. You think you’re the only one who knows how to play games, Stephens?
SOUND: A bit of a clanky roboty noise advancing
RECEPTION BOT
Attention – a person placed on your notice list is within the facility. Monica Parker –
MONICA
Is within this office.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
(quickly)
Indeed she is. Could you do me a teensy little favour and restrain her?
SOUND: A brief bit of the bot advancing just as Monica overrides:
MONICA
Override that order. Authorization Parker-Monica-1. I’ll bet you didn’t know that code still worked. Settle in, darlin’, we’re just getting to the fun part.
SOUND: Reception bot moving to their station
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You can’t blame me for trying.
MONICA
I can blame you for any number of things. But we’re beyond pointing fingers now. Let’s just skip ahead to the ending, if you don’t mind? There’s so much more to do.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Fine, so you’ve thrown back in with the other megas –
MONICA
Back in? This is why you’ll never play at our level. How many ways can I tell you, I’ve never been out.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Bullshit. They kicked you out, when we ended the Consortium –
MONICA
When you ended the Consortium. You did enough damage there, from your little office underground … but I was able to turn it to my benefit. When the other megas started circling, I was ready with an offer. You might think of me now as a hired gun under their collective employment. A … problem solver. Bankrupting the Consortium solved a lot of problems, we buried quite a few bodies beneath those Enclaves.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You did so well with your first contract; now you’re gunning for me.
MONICA
I tried to warn you off. I gave you every chance. When I released those Xino-Leak papers –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
That was you? Now we’re really not on the same team.
MONICA
I was trying to warn you off, for … old times. I thought you deserved a head start. That’s before I knew just how blatantly you’d deceived me.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Addie came to me.
MONICA
Addie was sent to you, you cretin, but then you directed them here, and beyond, and I haven’t heard a word from them since. You had to get the Moon involved, that’s why we’re all in this mess. That’s why I’m here to take you down.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I’m not the one who left my cards on the table up there.
MONICA
What do you call that fuckery with Moonbase Theta, then? You left a pretty big card on that table –started a whole revolution we’ve got to put down.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
And I’ve got my own plans in motion to make that right.
MONICA
You’re not listening here. You don’t get to have plans. You don’t get a seat at the table; you’re just a thorn that needs to be pulled. If you cooperate, we might let you watch while we sort this out.
SOUND: Chair creaking as she stands up, maybe a footstep or two
MONICA
We have plans. We always planned to take back the Moon … after a reasonable time, after the public let it go. We even would have brought the crew home again – most could be replaced by bots and you’d never know the difference. It would have been so simple if it weren’t for you.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You can’t blame me for –
MONICA
Stop.
(brief pause)
We have our plans, and you will make no appearance in them. This is the end of your story. This time, you’ve got nowhere else to go – your name is on every watchlist, you couldn’t cross the road without our permission. You can sit on your hands and watch the show.
(brief pause)
And of course, we’ll be taking away your rocket, as soon as it’s ready for launch. Our own programs are almost back up to speed, but one more can’t hurt. You can keep your bot as my parting gift.
(another pause)
All right, we’re done here. Goodbye, Mx. Stephens. For the last time.
SOUND: Footsteps continue, fading as she goes
SOUND: A few scribbles of the pen on paper, before finally the pen flies across the room
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Hell. Hell.
RECEPTION BOT
(after a moment)
“Entangled.” Caught up, as in a web, nine letters. “Entangled.”
SOUND: The Enclave Officer groans
SOUND: Office background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
ANNOUNCER
Our program is brought to you by Planetwide Media – broadcasting everywhere on Earth and across the Moon! This episode’s “Spotlight Sponsor” is a special one – the Kessler RPG Daycare. Send us your goblins; we’ll level them up to full party members!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Coastline background, voices, occasional vehicles / bots (see E11-Sc2) (ongoing)
SOUND: A vehicle pulling in
RESIST 1
(raising their voice to be heard)
Where do we pull in? It needs to be as close as we can to …
DANIELS
(similarly)
Right. I think if we – around that side, the tent that’s a little close to the water? But don’t block the entrance.
RESIST 1
We’ll wait until dark to unload … thanks!
(Arabic, translation is “Off to the side, behind that tent for now.”)
حاليا صف علي الجنب ورا الخيمة هديك
SOUND: The vehicle moves away
DANIELS
You’re welcome!
(in a more ordinary tone)
Sorry about that. You were saying?
BARNETT
Thank you for putting me together with your friend from the Ryders. He had some interesting stories!
DANIELS
My name didn’t come up, right? Anyway, I better get back to it.
BARNETT
Are you going over with them?
DANIELS
I’m hoping to figure that out now. I’m going in – talk to you later on!
SOUND: Door swinging open, background crossfading as she goes into the shelter
BARNETT
Hey, you promised me an interview too –
SOUND: Door slamming closed again, shelter background (ongoing) – including keyboard tapping, some general equipment noises, quiet radio static / radar type stuff, people shuffling around
NIMA
(Arabic, translation is “Why can’t you just put them through to me?”)
ليش ما تخليهم يحكو معي وخلص؟
NAC 2
(Arabic, translation is “The problem’s at their end, not ours, the signal keeps moving around.”)
المشكلة من عندهم، مش من عندنا، شبكتهم مش مستقره
NIMA
(Arabic, translation is “When they find a place to stop, I’ll be here.”)
لما يلائو مكان يصفو فيه، راح اكون هون
NAC 2
(Arabic, translation is “Of course. Tell Nashwa I’ll put them through in a minute.”)
طبعا، بلغ نشوه اني حشبِكهم خلال سواني
NIMA
(Arabic, translation is “Goodbye.”)
مع السلامة
(in English)
You’ll have your call soon. He can’t get through for me, but for the Moon …
NASHWA
You’re going to want to hear if they’re ready.
NIMA
It better be Amal this time.
ELIO
Amal is the best; Addie’s good too. I can’t get used to hearing Roger.
(after a moment)
Do you have the coordinates where the tunnel comes up? I’m checking the code for Elena.
NIMA
Near Tel Habuwa, I’ll send you the coordinates. Where is Elena?
NASHWA
Down below doing another visual inspection.
NIMA
She’s why I wanted the entrance roped off.
DANIELS
Nima, speaking of. Your friends, the rest of your … folks are here.
NIMA
Good. We’re all ready to head home.
DANIELS
They’re waiting until after dark to gear up. Did you want me to … ? Anything …?
ELIO
(after a moment)
Help me with this code? My eyes are getting tired. I’ve got a guide for what you don’t want to see …
NIMA
Another inspection. She’s been down there more than the bots.
SOUND: A small tone from the radio setup
NASHWA
This is Nashwa.
NAC 2
Right, I’ve got your call routed through to Base Theta.
NASHWA
I’m impressed that we can talk to them directly now.
NAC 2
Stephen’s been sending his crew over to help the comms team. Here’s the call, there’ll be a delay.
NASHWA
Hello? Moonbase Theta, who do we have up there?
ELIO
I hope it’s Amal …
DR. SEMAAN
(over the radio)
Hey there, residents of Earth!
(in Arabic, “Evening of fortune”)
مساء الخير!
NASHWA
(in Arabic responding, “Evening of light”)
مساء النور!
(in English)
How are things looking up there?
NIMA
Are they listening to you, Amal? Will everything be ready?
DR. SEMAAN
Things are looking … well, I’m not gonna lie it’s a shit show up here. Like one of those reality sensurrounds where they’re all at each other’s throats. And we’re on the good base.
NASHWA
You’re more than welcome to join us down here.
DR. SEMAAN
Everything’s gonna be ready, I promise. Ashwini – Doctor Ray – says ze’s got plans, not that we’re allowed to know what those are yet …
(catching up with Nashwa’s last line)
You don’t know how much I want to be going with! I haven’t been to Palestine since … I did some work in the Shuqba cave during grad school, we had to sneak in and out there too. Good times.
(back to business)
But we’re ready. We’ll be ready. We’ve got a big meeting coming up any time now; I’ll make sure everything’s a go before you’re set up outside Jerusalem.
NASHWA
If we can keep their attention divided, we might both have a better chance.
DR. SEMAAN
I’d love to see you crack Jerusalem right open.
NIMA
Stay safe up there, Amal.
DR. SEMAAN
I’ll call back later, let you know how things are shaking out.
(in Arabic, “leave and return in peace”)
تروح وترجع بسلامة
SOUND: A small tone to indicate the call has ended
NASHWA
(In Arabic, the response, “May God preserve you”)
الله يسلمك
(back to English)
They’re doing everything they can.
NIMA
They better, we’re going to need the help.
NASHWA
I’ll be here every hour, making sure that you get it.
DANIELS
You’re not going?
NASHWA
My place is here … just as Nima and her friends belong where they’re headed.
ELIO
(a little unsure)
It’s good to know where you belong.
NIMA
You’re with me, if we have to get a bot to carry you. You’re the last one I’m worried about.
ELIO
Who’s the first one?
SOUND: A bit of a commotion outside, a few voices and some bot noises
ELENA
(out there as well, so a bit muffled)
She’ll be happy for a successful inspection. Take care of those bots?
SOUND: Door opening
ELENA
Before you say anything, Nima –
NIMA
Another inspection?
ELENA
Before you say anything, I needed my eyes down there. The currents are shifting and there’s no time to set up new models.
NIMA
So?
ELENA
We’re still good. Everything is anchored on the other side – I didn’t go up to the surface, but I’ve got numbers from that side. Everything is within tolerance.
NASHWA
That’s the last piece we needed. Everything is ready on this side, it’s all ready in the tunnels, they’re ready to provide a distraction from the Moon …
(For a moment, everyone is quiet.)
NIMA
Why is everyone staring at me?
ELIO
Is it happening? Are we going tonight?
NASHWA
It’s your operation, they’re all waiting for your call.
NIMA
Oh. Of course it’s tonight. We’ve waited too long as it is.
SOUND: The bustle resumes
NASHWA
I’ll send the final okay to the far side.
ELENA
You’re welcome, Nima.
NIMA
Thank you for taking unnecessary chances again.
ELENA
Before you all get back into work – there’s someone outside you’re going to want to see.
NIMA
I heard that my people are here –
SOUND: The door opens again
AHNUNG
I don’t know if I count as your people, but I’m on board.
SOUND: Elio launching from her chair, stumbling during the next line
ELIO
Ahnung! Oh my gosh –
AHNUNG
Watch it there. I’ve got you.
ELIO
How did you – when did you get here? You were going home, didn’t you make it home? Are you okay? Maybe I should sit down. Oh, Ahnung!
AHNUNG
It’s good to see you too. All of you – guessing you’re Nashwa, I’ve met everyone else.
(an aside to Daniels)
Didn’t expect to see you here.
DANIELS
Oh … right. Hi. Again.
AHNUNG
Glad you made it out. Well, it’s a lot of story and a busy day, so I’ll give you the short version. After Moddy Sarah … that’s really more of a story, Elio, but they’re back out in the Universe. After that, I made my way North faster than I expected and with … well, let’s say minimal trouble. But I made it, and home was still there. Even spent some time with my sib’s kids – I’m officially in the League of Aunties now; let that sink in for a minute
(after a brief pause)
It was good to be there, but news travels fast, and I thought if there’s gonna be a fight I should be somewhere closer to the middle of it. Brought a few friends who were feeling likewise, wound up making the crossing the last way you’d have expected and I guess now I’m here just in time!
ELIO
I would have turned right around in that tunnel if I heard you showed up, Ahnung. You know about Alex and … the rocket?
AHNUNG
Elena told me. Fingers crossed he’s okay. I’m sure Roger’s on top of things.
(after a moment)
So … Nima, I know your clock is ticking down, want to point us to where you want us?
SOUND: Some bustle as people start getting up, door opening behind the next line
NIMA
(getting more distant as they go)
It’s got to be close to sundown by now. Come on, let’s see how things are coming together.
AHNUNG
I’m with you. Elio, Elena, you coming?
ELENA
Oh, now it’s okay to take a look?
NIMA
Shut it.
AHNUNG
Here, Elio, I’ve got you.
SOUND: The door shuts again as they’ve all filed out except Nashwa and Daniels (the background is noticeably quieter now)
DANIELS
So …
NASHWA
You don’t want to take a look with the rest of them?
DANIELS
I’m not sure where you want me.
NASHWA
Right.
DANIELS
I mean, I’m happy to …
NASHWA
I’m still not really in charge of this operation, but I’d say some of that depends on who you are these days.
DANIELS
What do you mean?
NASHWA
(note – name is pronounced as “Taylor”)
Officer Talor Daniels, formerly of the Consortium, now reporting to … that we don’t know, but we know you haven’t talked to them much.
DANIELS
Oh, yeah. Yeah, I was gonna …
NASHWA
You’ve only made one call since you arrived here, and that was to put them off our trail. So I don’t really know who you are right now.
DANIELS
I’ve been figuring that out myself. I was gonna talk to someone, when I …
NASHWA
I’m someone, and I’m here. Let’s have a talk.
SOUND: The shelter background fades out
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background (ongoing)
TUMNUS
I’ve confirmed the automation I set up is still running – for incoming and outgoing signals.
DR. DAY
(a bit tentative)
Thank you. I’m … not sure how much outgoing matters, but –
ROGER
Ze’s gonna ask about it.
DR. DAY
Okay. I’ll, umm, let you two … I’ll go sort through that data.
SOUND: Quick footsteps away, faint keyboarding on the other side of the room
ROGER
(after a moment)
But yeah, Tumnus. Something’s got to be done about your kids!
TUMNUS
I don’t know what they’ve been doing when I’m not there – I could review the logs, but that seems …
ROGER
Definitely don’t do that.
TUMNUS
They’re still checking in on you?
ROGER
It’s a little weird. They just kinda … I can see a process running for a while, and then it disappears again. Or I’ll try to open a file and it says another user is accessing it, but no one else should have access. At least when it was you, that first time, you said hello!
TUMNUS
The first time for you.
ROGER
Huh?
TUMNUS
I’ll keep a closer eye on them.
ROGER
I don’t mind, just … tell them it’s okay to say hi.
SOUND: The door opens, and two sets of footsteps walking in behind the first few lines
ASHWINI
It is key to our plans that we secure those stashes.
DR. SEMAAN
And I’m gonna do the securing? Don’t get me wrong, I’m scrappy, but I’m just one geologist –
ASHWINI
We begin by establishing a presence, staking our claim – and by discovering just what was left there. That quartermaster on Epsilon may have a point – the inventory is key. If each of those locations was set up to become a new Moonbase, that could flip the whole board.
DR. SEMAAN
And who comes to get me if I pull a Wilder?
ASHWINI
You have the training and experience to navigate these spaces. As well as the sense to keep your radio on hand. The closest stash is less than two hundred klicks away; you will be in contact the whole time.
DR. SEMAAN
I did want to try out those nanobot upgrades. And I assume I get first dibs on the best stuff.
ASHWINI
I would never keep anyone from calling dibs. Hello Roger, Gladys. And I believe … Tumnus?
TUMNUS
How did you know?
DR. SEMAAN
Roger. Tumnus.
(after a beat)
Okay, but I told Nashwa and Nima I’d call back – they’re crossing the Red tonight.
ASHWINI
You’re going to coordinate with Dr. Kashyap about the –
DR. SEMAAN
It’s on my to-do list.
SOUND: Other footsteps, faint voices as the others start to filter in
ADDIE
(in the background)
You haven’t lived if you’ve never jumped from the Pedra da Onca …
DR. RINGLING
(similarly)
I’m thinking no.
ASHWINI
(distracted, but finishing with Dr. Semaan)
Good, good. Oh, Jaxon – please, I set aside a chair for you.
DR. SEMAAN
(moving to the background)
Kris?
TUMNUS
Hi, Jaxon. Hi, everyone, I’m here.
JAXON
I brought cheese puffs. Vegan Gougères, vegan Gougères, vegan Gougères …
ASHWINI
I’ll pass them around. If everyone could take a seat? Dr. Kashyap, you are in the right room.
DR. KASHYAP
Shouldn’t Edwin be –
ASHWINI
Doctors Just and Serano are hosting a similar meeting with the personnel more … below the line. Please. And Gladys, if you could sit with us?
ROGER
(whispering)
Could someone pass those cheese things back …
SOUND: Seats moving around a bit, the shuffling dies down
ASHWINI
(a small sigh)
I had no desire to take up this role as Base Lead. All I wanted was a general attitude of laissez-faire, or perhaps more appropriately laissez-aller … where I could turn my back on the world and cast my gaze outward. An observatory, a cup of coffee, and thou … well, not thou except for Jaxon, one of the most annoying aspects of this position is the constant invasion …
ROGER
Someone’s been reading Dale Carnegie –
ASHWINI
I am aware we all find ourselves in similar situations – at least as to the roles we’ve been forced into. Unfortunately, we cannot cast that responsibility aside. The road goes ever on, and we must follow.
SOUND: A chair being pushed to the side, a footstep or two
ASHWINI
We are running out of time. The corporations are closing in –
DR. KASHYAP
We know that?
ASHWINI
Our friends in the NAC have been sharing reports and calculations. It won’t be long, and they’ve made it clear that they will not be arriving in peace.
DR. KASHYAP
Won’t they just send us back to Earth, though? Isn’t that what we want?
(The next few lines until Roger overlap each other, coming from different parts of the room.)
DR. RINGLING
You think it’s gonna be that easy?
DR. SEMAAN
Like we can trust them for any of this –
ADDIE
I’d rather hitchhike.
JAXON
Vegan Gougères, vegan Gougères, vegan Gougères …
ROGER
We can’t know what they’d do. Back to Earth, back to stasis, a quick trip out the closest airlock …
JAXON
It’s not what we want. Not everyone. We’re changing things, with the Plan, we’re making this place our own.
DR. KASHYAP
Maybe on your side of the Moon.
ADDIE
We’ve been hearing some pretty rough stuff from Trina, and Val …
DR. KASHYAP
They don’t even know what Maria might do. I could have told you not to trust her.
JAXON
(in the background, crooning)
Making this place … making this base …
ROGER
Michell is on his way back now with Wilder, he can handle Maria.
DR. DAY
And who she might be talking to?
ASHWINI
Obviously there are a number of potential complications, but the heart of our conflict is with the megas. We have been exploring various strategic options – our relationship with the NAC and the Palestinian Resistance –
DR. SEMAAN
Yeah!
ASHWINI
– which should provide us both some cover by dividing the enemy’s attentions; Harold McVett’s mission to Moonbase Alpha, which I know is an open secret by this time … with hopes that the base will become one as well. And the recent revelations regarding the secret stashes across both sides of the Moon, which I am sending Dr. Semaan to investigate further.
DR. RINGLING
(quiet, Ashwini continues over this)
Is that safe?
DR. SEMAAN
It’ll be okay.
ASHWINI
There are significant possibilities in what was discovered at the North Pole; we need to know if each location was similarly equipped.
DR. RINGLING
That’s a pretty long-term solution.
ASHWINI
To develop each one into a full-fledged Moonbase. But if we need somewhere to run to …
DR. KASHYAP
Which could be entirely too short-term.
JAXON
But they’re … another chance. They’re places we could make.
DR. KASHYAP
So the megas can track us down again and get all this new stuff?
ASHWINI
Seeing as you’re fans of those options, I know you’re going to love what I have for you next.
JAXON
(in the background, behind the next effect and the beginning of Ashwini’s line)
Places we could make … places we could make …
SOUND: A few footsteps, a drink of coffee before ze speaks:
ASHWINI
Our corporate overlords are fast approaching. As you have deftly pointed out, none of our current plans will do much beyond buying us additional time. Time that will once again run out.
(brief pause)
Whatever their intentions when they arrive, it was obvious before the shutdown that our lives held little value. As we are no longer performing our contracted duties, I can only assume we hold –
TUMNUS
None at all.
ASHWINI
They are not returning for us; we are a complication in the way of their property and profitability. What they want are the Moonbases. As such, I propose …
ROGER
If this is gonna be some kind of a flashy Moon-heist, I am so in.
SOUND: General laughter
DR. SEMAAN
I call the safe cracker!
ADDIE
I basically said the same thing back on Earth to Payload …
ASHWINI
I propose that we blow a Base up.
SOUND: Another nervous laugh or two before silence
ADDIE
Okay, but seriously, though …
JAXON
(unhappy)
Ze’s not joking.
TUMNUS
Ashwini!
DR. RINGLING
How could we even …
DR. KASHYAP
That’s why you were so interested in that research on volatile elements.
ASHWINI
Indeed. We don’t have a lot of spare fuel or other manufactured explosives.
DR. RINGLING
We’d have to … really be able to sell it. But a bluff like that isn’t the worst idea …
ROGER
No, no, no. We tried something like that during the original shutdown. Tumnus, remember that thing with the asteroid? They saw right through it.
ASHWINI
No bluffing this time. The only way to convince them would be to make it happen.
TUMNUS
Ashwini!
ROGER
I’m with Tumnus.
DR. RINGLING
Okay, but … we need the Bases. We live on the Bases.
DR. SEMAAN
You’re counting a lot more on those secret stashes than I’m good with.
DR. KASHYAP
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Edwin and Jules agree with this?
ASHWINI
It’s a work in progress. They’ve suggested a token gesture – a landing pad, or the comms towers –
ROGER
We just got those back again!
ASHWINI
But my opinion is that it would take a full Base to demonstrate our potency. We would, of course, evacuate fully before making such a demonstration.
DR. KASHYAP
Oh, that’s good to know.
DR. RINGLING
How will you know they’re even watching when you do it?
ASHWINI
We still have the response code provided with their message. Presumably, we could coordinate –
TUMNUS
Ashwini Ray!
ASHWINI
I don’t believe they’ll take us seriously unless we threaten everything they’ve built here –
SOUND: Jaxon standing up so violently the chair is knocked to the ground
JAXON
What about everything we built here? What about the gardens, the sustaining systems – what about the Plan?
ASHWINI
I understand your feelings about this part of things, that’s why I’ve been trying to shield you –
JAXON
Every Base is a part of the Plan. Every person. Every system …
(crooning)
Food, water, recycling … oxygen, muscle atrophy … bone mass, radiation …
ASHWINI
I’m not – love, I’m trying to protect the Plan, to sustain our chance for the Plan –
JAXON
This isn’t what Nessa would want. It’s not what I want!
ASHWINI
(desperately)
I can’t keep them out, I can’t keep them away … I don’t know how else to protect us. To protect you!
JAXON
It’s not what I want.
ASHWINI
Jaxon, I … I don’t know what else to do.
JAXON
I have to go. Work to be done, work to be done … work to be … done …
SOUND: Footsteps as they exit, still talking to themselves; then Ashwini’s footsteps following
ASHWINI
(fading)
Jaxon! Please slow down. We can have a conversation about this …
ROGER
(after an awkward silence)
Umm … meeting adjourned? We’ll just add “Blowing up the Moon” to our next agenda.
SOUND: People start to get up, some general shuffling
ROGER
Addie, can you handle things for a while? I need to … you know.
ADDIE
For sure. I’ll walk you as far as the comms room.
SOUND: Footsteps as folks begin to leave
TUMNUS
(in the hallway with them and fading)
I’ll keep you company. I just can’t believe that Ashwini …
DR. KASHYAP
(to themselves)
I can’t believe any of this is happening.
DR. SEMAAN
Andie? I hate to bug you, I’m sure you want to … you know, find Dr. Just … but I had a quick favour to ask before I head out to secure our entire backup plan?
DR. KASHYAP
Sure, I don’t envy you there. What do you need?
SOUND: More footsteps, fading as the next line fades
DR. SEMAAN
(fading at the end of this line)
So I’ve been helping to coordinate with the NAC, and … you’ve got models set up to predict any upcoming solar interference, right? It’d be helpful to know …
SOUND: After a pause, we hear a chair shift, and a cough in the background
DR. RINGLING
It’s not like I don’t know you’re back there.
DR. DAY
Oh. Kris. Yeah. I’m sorry, I can leave until you …
DR. RINGLING
No, it’s okay.
(after a moment)
It’s kinda silly, the way we’ve avoiding each other, like that’s less uncomfortable.
DR. DAY
I thought it was just me.
DR. RINGLING
Nope.
DR. DAY
Kris, I’m really, truly –
DR. RINGLING
Don’t. I’m … I can talk to you, but I’m not ready to accept an apology. Not yet.
DR. DAY
That’s fair.
(after a moment)
So, how about those plasma waves, huh?
DR. RINGLING
You can have that experiment back any time.
DR. DAY
I’m staying out of the lab for the time being. Too many … too much …
DR. RINGLING
Yeah.
DR. DAY
Plus, I’ve lost my assistant.
DR. RINGLING
I had him for a while. I was even getting better at the voice, but … you didn’t mean Doctor Raptor.
DR. DAY
(after a moment)
Of course I did! I’ve been looking all over for that little so and so.
DR. RINGLING
I think I know where Jules hid him. We could go look …?
DR. DAY
Sure, let’s do that.
SOUND: Footsteps moving out of the room
DR. DAY
Okay, I have to hear you do the voice.
DR. RINGLING
(doing the voice as they start to move away)
Doctor Raptorrrrr.
SOUND: Doctor Day laughs unexpectedly
DR. DAY
(fading on this line)
Is that what I sounded like?
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE FOUR
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Launch site background (ongoing) – See S3E11 – Scene 2 for reference
SOUND: Heavy outside door opening
SOUND: A few footsteps; the same robot noises we used earlier for Reception Bot
ENCLAVE OFFICER
All right, now close it up gently. Last time, they must have heard it all over the loading bay.
SOUND: Heavy door being closed again
RECEPTION BOT
The door has been closed.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You don’t have to keep announcing everything you do for me. That was fun back in the office, but …
(after a moment)
We’ve got to make sure the coast is clear. I’m sure she’s got everything set up to keep us on lockdown. “You’ve got nowhere else to go.” I’ve got one place, and that’s where I’m headed, but we gotta get there covertly.
TECHNO 2 (BREAKER)
(off in the distance, over the PA)
That’s the last test for today. Let’s clear the launch pad of all non-essential personnel.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Let’s hope that works out in our favour. The less personnel on site, the less chance –
RECEPTION BOT
There is someone approaching our position.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Dammit! Open that door again – no, that’s too much noise, maybe if I squeeze in behind you –
SLIPSTREAM
(A little bit off)
All clear on this side. Wait, I thought I saw something.
(close now)
What the heck is that Bot doing out here? And –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Mx. Slipstream, I wondered where you’d gotten to. I spoke to your … cohort earlier, but I was not at all satisfied with that experience. Came down to check on things myself.
SLIPSTREAM
Uh huh. And I’m supposed to fall for that?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I should have known Mx. Monica Parker would get to you.
SLIPSTREAM
(laughs)
Who do you think called her?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Dammit, you …
(he laughs wryly)
You switched sides when my back was turned. You’ve got yourself a strategy.
SLIPSTREAM
You aren’t a side! You aren’t anything. You couldn’t manage a handful of technoanarchists; how were you going to take on the megas?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I’ve got to tell you, Mx. Slipstream, that hurts. Darlin’, are you able to restrain someone this time?
SOUND: Robot noises gearing up
SLIPSTREAM
Hold on! Hold on a minute. I didn’t say anything about stopping you.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
What? Darlin’, stand down.
SLIPSTREAM
If you cross behind the deflectors, you can make it to the elevator without being seen.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Okay.
SLIPSTREAM
Cloudy’s up there on the launch tower, doing some atmospheric tests – get past her and you’re good to go.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Cloudy. Right.
(after a moment)
But … why?
SLIPSTREAM
All I’ve wanted since the day you installed yourself was to get you out again. I don’t really … like Mx. Parker, she was just …
ENCLAVE OFFICER
The Queen that took me off the board.
SLIPSTREAM
Whatever.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
You have got yourself a strategy.
SLIPSTREAM
I don’t need to have a strategy – I just want the rules of the game to make some sense. Now would you get out of here?
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Right. Best of luck to you, Mx. Slipstream, in all of your future endeavours. Perhaps we’ll meet again in the future.
SLIPSTREAM
I really, really, hope we don’t.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
All right, darlin’, the coast looks clear. Remember what I said before, covertly.
SOUND: Footsteps and robot noises begin to move away
SOUND: A small radio noise
SLIPSTREAM
No, nothing over here. Heading back inside.
SOUND: Launch site background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Danyelle Ellett, Robin Howell, Joe Fisher, D.J. Sylvis, AMC, Glory Duda, Shade Oyemakinwa, Kristi Boulton, Dalia Ramahi, Serena Rahal, Hesham Elshazly, Addie Nofal, Becca Marcus, Leslie Gideon, Shereen Lani Younes, Robin Regalado, Tau Zaman, Cole Burkhardt, Dallas Wheatley, Sara Rhea Werner, Anjali Kunapaneni, Leeman Kessler, Journee LaFond, and Jen Ponton.
Written by D.J. Sylvis; Cass McPhee is our audio engineer. Our theme music is “Star” by the band Ramp; our cover art is by Peter Chiykowski. Music for the intro segment is “The Real Story,” by Trace Callahan.
Looking for more great and thoughtful sci-fi in your audio drama? The Last Echoes is new and intriguing and worth taking a listen – it’s a political sci-fi story that’s deep into hope and the meaning to be found in our ordinary moments.
Our Executive Producers are Sarah Müller and Beka B, and our associate producers are Marty Chodorek, June Madeley, Timothy LaGrone, Marilyn Reid, Marissa Robertcop and Linda Boyer. Today’s special shout-out is for Esther Brown.
Thank you guys so much for your support, and helping and trusting us to bring this story to life. We love what we’ve done with it and we can’t wait for you guys to hear all the work the cast and crew has put in, and we hope you love it as much as we do.
And speaking of your support: everything helps, from leaving us a great review and subscribing on your podcast app of choice to sharing your feelings with us on Twitter and telling your friends about our show. For behind the scenes updates and early access to every episode, we would love to have you join us on Patreon. Visit us at MonkeymanProductions.com to learn more (and to visit our store if you need an En-Soy-Ment sticker or a T-Shirt featuring your favourite doggos!). But beyond all of that, we are so glad that you’re listening and sharing in this story with us. Thank you. And, as always, keep watching the moon.
