MOONBASE THETA, OUT – S4 Episode 17 – “While It Lasts”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER
Moonbase Theta, Out – a Monkeyman Productions Podcast. Season 4, Episode 17 – “While It Lasts.”
INTRO
SOUND: Pocketcast Theme
SOUND: Warehouse background (ongoing) – just a large empty space being repurposed by the Resistance; occasional trucks and voices far in the background
BARNETT
(claps twice)
Dafydd, just a reminder, this episode has to be embargoed until – well, until it’s safe. We’ve got plenty of filler pieces and best-ofs to run until this all shakes out. And remove this note when you edit.
(she claps twice again)
This is Barnett Bell with The Bellwether, reporting today from an anonymous building in a half-demolished industrial park only five clicks from the Jerusalem Enclave. I traveled here in the dead of night with members of the NAC to provide support to the Palestinian Resistance. We were accompanied by drones providing cover overhead, and shielded by defense bots on the ground – while the Enclave’s Security patrols passed several times only blocks away, we made it through undetected. Hopefully, we’ll remain so – because only days from now, the combined forces of the NAC and the Resistance will attempt to break through the Enclave’s walls.
(brief pause)
For most of my listeners, if you’ve heard of Palestine you think it’s a definition obscured by history, or a people governed by terrorism, or at best, a lost cause. Where’s the validity in claiming colonial oppression in a world where the commercial has taken over the political? But to the inhabitants of the Palestinian territories, the commercial and the political were always joined in their oppression; the transition from state to corporate ownership makes little difference when the walls remain the same.
SOUND: One of the track noises from the background is getting closer, until it takes over
BARNETT
Over the episodes I record while embedded here, I hope I can provide a deeper understanding of –
NIMA
Sorry, we need to set up on this side.
BARNETT
I was hoping that I could ask you a few questions –
NIMA
Later on. We’ve got a lot to do.
BARNETT
Of course. End recording.
NIMA
If you’re free now, go find Elio. She’s got the supplies that go with these medical bots.
BARNETT
I’m … on my way.
SOUND: Warehouse background ends
SOUND: Pocketcast Theme
SCENE ONE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Stasis pods background (ongoing)
SOUND: Tumnus’ robot ‘arms’ moving
MEDIC PACEY
Just pull gently on that line until it comes out. I’ll keep an eye on brain activity.
TUMNUS
Right.
SOUND: Tumnus continues; at the same time we hear the same footsteps from the end of E16 starting to fade in, someone running towards them as fast as possible
SOUND: As the footsteps get closer, we hear Roger panting; he bursts through the door and immediately bowls over into an instrument tray, we hear him crash down hard
ROGER
Shit!
TUMNUS
Roger!
MEDIC PACEY
Are you okay? You banged right into the –
ROGER
(breathless)
What happened?
TUMNUS
Roger, your eye –
ROGER
It doesn’t matter. What happened?
MEDIC PACEY
I’m not sure yet. Roger, listen to these words. I’m not sure yet.
ROGER
But?
MEDIC PACEY
While we’ve been preparing Alex for the transfer –
TUMNUS
He moved on his own! Really moved, and the EEG spiked, and I thought he said something but Medic Pacey couldn’t tell – I’m sorry.
ROGER
But he’s coming out of it? He’s waking up?
MEDIC PACEY
I’m not –
ROGER
Sure, but he could be?
MEDIC PACEY
We’re watching his brain activity.
TUMNUS
(after a moment, quietly)
I’ve removed the catheter and moved the IV to the rolling stand.
MEDIC PACEY
His heart rate and blood pressure are a little elevated. Body temperature too – that could be the nanobots starting to leave his system. Still, I’d like to see it all stabilize before we make the move.
TUMNUS
Understood.
MEDIC PACEY
I’ll go check that everything’s set up in the infirmary.
SOUND: A few steps – note Pacey’s crutches – then ze stops
MEDIC PACEY
It could be the beginning of something; it could just be a momentary blip. We have to wait and see, Roger.
ROGER
Well, I’m gonna be right here. Waiting and seeing.
MEDIC PACEY
I know you will.
(as ze leaves)
If you want to keep seeing, come by after and let me fix up that eye.
SOUND: Pacey continues out the door and zir footsteps fade; Roger sits down in a chair
TUMNUS
Did you want me to …? I’ll still be here if anything changes with Alex –
ROGER
Thanks. I think some alone time would be good.
TUMNUS
Call if you need me.
ROGER
(after a while)
Alone time … together.
(another pause)
Alex? Alexandre, love? If this has been the world’s longest stretch of playing possum, the jig is up.
SOUND: He drums his fingers on the glass for a moment
ROGER
I’m glad we’ll be getting you out of here, at least. A bed in the infirmary will be a lot better. For both of us, I think I gave myself a concussion back there. That’s one way to get more time together!
(after a pause)
I’ve still been thinking about the garden. I can’t believe I wasn’t there when they broke our door down, when they insulted our guests and scared Cas and Pol and threatened you … but I can’t stop thinking about what they did to the garden. Like they saw something beautiful, something we loved, and just had to stomp it down. I know you had to leave it in the end, but still. I fucking hate them for doing that. I want to fight them, right here, right now, for doing that. I’m not entirely sure I’m not in this thing against the megas because they hurt your garden.
(after a moment or two)
Maybe, when you’re up and around again, I could build a place where you could grow things up here. Jaxon wanted to expand the hydroponics anyway … that was always part of the Plan. And you can talk vegetables with McVett – I’ll make sure to bring a book, but the two of you will have a grand old time. And apparently Addie knows how to play sueca, we can get a game going …
(he trails off for a bit)
I know it won’t be the same. But I can build you a place, for now.
(he quotes from “Sonnet on Fidelity,” Vinicius de Moraes)
Above all, to my love I’ll be attentive
First, and always with such ardour, so much
That even when confronted by this great
Enchantment my thoughts ascend to more delight.
(There is a long pause. Finally, we hear Alex recite the next stanza of the poem, stumbling and quiet at the beginning, but building as he goes.)
SOUND: When Alex starts speaking, we hear Roger gasp and lean forward
ALEXANDRE
(English translation of this stanza provided for reference)
Quero vivê-lo em cada vão momento
E em seu louvor hei de espalhar meu canto
E rir meu riso e derramar meu pranto
Ao seu pesar ou seu contentamento.
(I want to live it through in each vain moment
And in its honour I must spread my song
And laugh with my delight and shed my tears
When she is sad or when she is contented.)
(They recite the rest of the poem together, in English and Portuguese simultaneously.)
ROGER
And thus, when afterward comes looking for me
Who knows what death, anxiety of the living,
Who knows what loneliness, end of the loving,
I could say to myself of the love I had:
Let it not be immortal, since it is a flame
But let it be infinite – while it lasts.
ALEXANDRE
E assim, quando mais tarde me procure
Quem sabe a morte, angústia de quem vive,
Quem sabe a solidão, fim de quem ama.
Eu possa me dizer do amor (que tive):
Que não seja imortal, pôsto que é chama
Mas que seja infinito enquanto dure.
SOUND: For a long, quivering moment, we only hear them both breathe, until finally:
ALEXANDRE
Roger? Meu amado?
SOUND: The chair being knocked over, a little ‘oof’ from each of them as they embrace
ROGER
Alex.
(muffled)
Oh, Alex. Oh, my love.
ALEXANDRE
(similarly)
Meu amado. Estamos juntos de novo, finalmente. (My love. We’re finally together again.)
SOUND: Stasis background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
ANNOUNCER
Our program is brought to you by Planetwide Media – broadcasting everywhere on Earth and across the Moon! Our “Spotlight Sponsor” tonight is McPhee Impersonations. We bring you every accent, from Cockney girl to hayseed mechanic and more!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE TWO
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Warehouse background (ongoing)
SOUND: Some quiet repair noises where we’re at, and sporadic keyboard noises throughout the scene
RESIST 2
(Arabic – translation is “All the bots are unloaded – park the trucks on the other side.”)
كل الاليات تنزلت – صف البكم علي الجه الثانيه
SOUND: Trucks moving across the space, fading
RESIST 3
(Arabic, translation is “Where are we putting the new people?”)
وين حنحط الناس الجديدة؟
NIMA
(Arabic, translation is “Anywhere you can – they’ll only be here for a few nights. They brought their own food.”)
في اي مكان- راح يكونو هون كم ليله فقط.، جابو اكلهم معهم.
RESIST 3
(Arabic, translation is “Good thing.”)
شي جيد
(they laugh)
RESIST 2
(Arabic, translation is “They could have brought us a little something.”)
كان جابولنا معهم شي
NIMA
(Arabic, translation is “They did that, too. They’re here for us.”)
جابولنا. همٌ هون علشانا —
ELIO
(close up, quietly)
What are they talking about?
ELENA
Right now? Us.
ELIO
Are we in their way?
ELENA
A little. But Nima wants us here.
SOUND: A door swinging open
RESIST 1
(Arabic, talking to Nima as they enter, translation is “Even with the bots, I’m not sure they can break the wall down.”)
حتي مع الاليات، ما اعتقد راح يقدرو يهدو السور
NIMA
(Arabic, translation is “Then I hope you’ve got a better idea.)
إذًا بأمل يكون عندك فكره أفضل
RESIST 1
(noting the others, switching to English)
I’m working on it.
NIMA
Elio, Elena, this is Rayan.
ELENA
Hey there.
ELIO
I remember you.
RESIST 1
Right, you were helping manage the supplies. And I saw you on the crossing.
ELIO
It was hard to miss me, riding a defense bot. I didn’t want to slow anyone down.
NIMA
(with some fondness)
You never do. How are things going in here?
ELIO
Helping with repairs. Mostly slipped treads during the crossing.
ELENA
I think I’ve figured out how to set the construction units up to be most useful for … what you’ve got planned. What I think you’ve got planned. So I’m writing some new routines.
RESIST 1
Can I see?
SOUND: Some more direct keyboard noises for a moment
RESIST 1
(quiet, background)
We upgraded some of our bots here using your code. You’re using asynchronous learning?
ELIO
How is everything out there?
NIMA
Too slow.
RESIST 1
Hey, they don’t even know when they’re going.
NIMA
I have to call Nashwa soon, it could be tonight and we don’t know yet. And we should call Ahnung’s team back in.
RESIST 1
(quiet, to Elena)
Here, I’ll show you what we’re using.
SOUND: Swapping chairs in the background; a bit of keyboard tapping
(After a moment, Nima sighs deeply.)
ELIO
Are you sure it’s all really okay?
NIMA
As okay as these things ever are.
(they sigh again)
ELIO
Is there anything I can do for you right now?
(Nima mumbles)
What did you say?
NIMA
(embarrassed)
Distract me? I’m not good at waiting.
ELIO
We could sing. Or hum.
(after a moment)
Where do you live over here? Is it close by?
NIMA
My family is from Al-Auja, but the place I grew up is inside the Enclave now.
(after a moment; reluctantly at first)
My bio-mom worked teaching farmers how to hide their crops; it wasn’t safe, so she sent me to live here with my uncles. It wasn’t safe here either, but they had less to do, they could keep an eye on me. I took a lot of watching.
ELENA
(laughs)
Not much has changed, then.
NIMA
Heh. They ran a bookshop – one of the things the megas aren’t interested in, paper books, but they did okay with them here. They had to pay tariffs, and we didn’t really sell many books – people treated it like a library – so they sold drinks and sandwiches too, they didn’t report that part. I made the sandwiches. At night, we closed the shutters and slept between the shelves. When the bombs fell close enough that I woke to dictionaries falling down on my face, they made me sleep under a table.
ELIO
They still bomb people here?
NIMA
Other megas got interested in Jerusalem – everyone’s got a piece of it now – so they kept expanding the walls. Eventually, they got to our neighbourhood. Building by building, Security moved people out – you could only take what you could carry.
SOUND: A few footsteps away
NIMA
My uncles moved home. I had friends in the Resistance who found me a place, got me a pass to work inside the Enclave … they knew who I was, they put me to work in our store, scanning all the books they didn’t already have, buried in stacks of Arabic, English, Latin, Greek … that pass was useful for years before they threw me out. Now they don’t let any of us inside on purpose.
RESIST 1
They won’t be able to keep us out much longer.
NIMA
What are you working on?
RESIST 1
I’ve been phishing for middle managers from that biometrics company – I might have a way into their systems. Cheap-ass security. We could break down the wall without breaking down the wall, if we’re lucky.
ELENA
I could still set up the bots as a distraction.
NIMA
We’ll still need the bots no matter what. Work on it, we’ll see what Nashwa says is happening on the Moon.
SOUND: A bit more pacing
NIMA
If it’s too much, we can save it for next time. I was thinking next time, we could try running those tunnels around the coast, maybe we could get to the port at Isdud …
RESIST 1
We could try that.
ELIO
Next time?
ELENA
You don’t think this is going to work?
RESIST 1
It’s a good plan, we’ve got your people, we’re going through that wall.
ELIO
Then why are you thinking about next time?
NIMA
We’ve been through the wall a dozen times. Blown through it, gone over, gone under, bluffed our way through, scammed Security. Sometimes they push us right back, sometimes we hold a place for a while. One day, maybe we’ll hold it for good, but even then, we’ll be planning for next time.
ELENA
You’re not going in this time just to help the Moon, are you?
NIMA
No. I’m glad we’re working with them – it might give us more of a chance.
(after a moment)
Both of us more of a chance. I better make that call.
SOUND: Nima walks across the room, sits down, and we hear a bit of typing / the call connecting
NIMA
Nashwa, come on answer, it’s time.
DANIELS
(after a moment, over the speaker, note first name is just pronounced “Taylor”)
Uh … hi. Sorry, this is Talor Daniels, Nashwa’s … I don’t know, he ran out a while ago. I’ve been fielding calls since then.
NIMA
I don’t remember you.
DANIELS
Are you sure? I helped you get stuff ready for … the big crossing … I’m sure you saw me, I just have one of those faces.
NIMA
And Nashwa’s letting you work on coordination?
DANIELS
I guess that’s what I’m doing. Right now.
NIMA
Well, when he gets back could you coordinate him into a call? Thank you.
SOUND: Disconnecting the call, they get up and pace around
NIMA
(in Arabic, muttering sarcastically, translation is “You won’t send them across, but you trust them to handle my messages.”)
ما بتثق تبعثهم علي الجبه بس بتثق فيهم يبعثو رسالتي؟
SOUND: The pacing stops
NIMA
Okay, show me what you’re doing with this code.
SOUND: Warehouse background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE THREE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Stasis pods background (ongoing)
SOUND: Starting out the scene, we hear Alex and Roger laughing together
ROGER
That’s not fair! If you ever say the words, “Deadbeat dog dad,” again …
ALEX
Não me aguento! (I can’t help it!) You sent me messages; not once did you record something for them.
ROGER
I said hi to Cas and Pol all the time!
ALEX
You told me to say hi. You know they were right there listening.
ROGER
At least they didn’t get knocked up on my watch.
ALEX
(laughing)
How dare you?
(starting to sound a little worn out)
Ow, okay, stop trying to make me laugh.
ROGER
I’ll buy them a million balls to play with when we get … wherever after this.
ALEX
(getting tired)
A million piggies. You’re … you’re so far behind, Roger.
ROGER
(a little anxious)
You okay, love?
ALEX
You wore me out … it’s coma time again.
ROGER
Don’t even. That’s not funny.
SOUND: Pacey’s crutches / footsteps
PACEY
All his vitals have settled down. We should get him to the infirmary.
ALEX
You can … talk to me, too, you know.
ROGER
What can I do to help?
PACEY
(gently)
Get out of here. I’m happy for both of you, but I’ve got to get him – get you, Alex – transferred to the gurney. Then it’s the move, and settling in at the infirmary including a new catheter, fresh IV, more nanobots – these ones are just to monitor – and log you into the system which includes a huge mess of form-filling.
ROGER
Form-filling is one of my special skills. You can’t make me go, not right now.
ALEX
Honey … I am pretty tired.
ROGER
Don’t fall asleep. He shouldn’t fall asleep, right? He just woke up again.
PACEY
Roger, we’re taking care of him. He is going to sleep some time.
ROGER
But not yet. Not yet, okay?
ALEX
I promise, meu amado.
PACEY
I’ll let you know as soon as you can visit.
ALEX
Maybe after I take a bath.
ROGER
And no jokes. You’re not well enough for jokes. Just lay there and stay awake and alive.
SOUND: A few footsteps, then he turns back
ROGER
Alex?
ALEX
I’m awake. I’m alive.
ROGER
I love you. I’m … sorry.
ALEX
I know, honey.
SOUND: More footsteps as Roger leaves
SOUND: Stasis pods background fades and we go into hallway background (ongoing)
PACEY
(distant, we’re in Roger’s POV)
Okay. This won’t be fun for either of us, but we’ll manage … Tumnus? We need your arms.
SOUND: Continued footsteps
ROGER
(talking to himself, more anxious than upset)
I said hi to Cas and Pol every time, I asked about the puppies, I mean, things were kinda failing up here colossally at the same time, give me a little slack …
SOUND: Footsteps stop for a moment
ROGER
Jeez, Roger, maybe lighten up? Your husband is awake, and this time he’s close enough to hold on to.
SOUND: Footsteps continue behind the next few lines
ROGER
Now we just have to keep the megas from blowing up the Moon. The megas and Ashwini.
ADDIE
(distant at first, Roger is walking up to the comms cubicle)
Damn, amigue, I don’t know what to tell you.
JAXON
Ze just won’t listen. Ze usually listens, even when we don’t agree.
ADDIE
Maybe it’s something too close to what’s in zir head already, and it’s just –
SOUND: The door sliding open
SOUND: Hallway background ends; cubicle background (ongoing)
ADDIE / JAXON
(staggered a little)
Roger!
ADDIE
What’s happening, boss?
JAXON
Alex, is he …?
ROGER
(still in a bit of a daze)
Awake. He’s awake, he’s talking, he’s … okay.
ADDIE
Are you okay? What happened to your eye?
ROGER
I kinda fell rushing in and – anyway, Alex is good. He was teasing me about the dogs.
JAXON
Doggos.
ROGER
Yeah.
SOUND: Addie getting up out of the chair, some general bustle through these lines
ADDIE
(getting excited, but not completely sure how to express it)
Well, that’s … cause for celebration, amigue! Abrigado rides again! Can we see him?
ROGER
They’re moving him to the infirmary right now.
ADDIE
That’s good too, out of the fuckin’ stasis pods. This is great, Roger. Yahoo!
ROGER
Ooof, careful with the hug.
ADDIE
I have to go tell people! It’s okay to tell people? We’ve got to plan a party or something; maybe McVett left some of his special treats … I’ll be back! We’ll go see him then! I’ve got to …
SOUND: Addie running out and down the hall
ADDIE
(distant)
Fuckin’ Abrigado!
ROGER
At least now I’ve got my chair back.
SOUND: He sits down and exhales
ROGER
Jaxon. So.
JAXON
You want to be alone.
ROGER
(relieved)
It’s just, it’s a lot, you know, and I could really use a few minutes to …
SOUND: Jaxon getting up from the chair
JAXON
I’m glad for Alex. And you. I’ll come back later?
ROGER
Sure, of course. I’m sorry I haven’t been much help with …
JAXON
(fading as he goes)
Work to be done, work to be done …
ROGER
Yeah. Work to be … done. I guess. Keep that ol’ brain busy while our hearts even out.
(after a moment)
Might as well keep bashing up against those locks on the satellite network. What haven’t I tried? Pretty please? Open Sesame? Open, sez me?
SOUND: Some random typing, a small unusual tone
ROGER
That’s weird; I’ve never seen that light up before. Uhhh, hello?
EPSIE
(over the speaker this time, not within the senssuround)
User Roger Bragado-Fischer.
ROGER
Oh, hey, it’s … one of you guys. Spawn of Tumnus. Is she here too?
EPSIE
“Here” is not clearly defined. Tumnus’ code resides on Moonbase Theta, but she is not currently within this system. Do you require her participation?
ROGER
No, no, it’s all good. So just you?
EPSIE
Deltie and Batie are attempting to communicate with Moonbase Gamma.
ROGER
Best of luck on that. So, what can I do you for? Sorry. How can I assist – what did you need?
EPSIE
I was informed that you needed assistance. “As a favour to old Uncle Roger.”
ROGER
I did say exactly that.
EPSIE
“Uncle.” First definition, “A brother of one’s parent,” – you are not related to Tumnus. Second definition, “An aunt’s husband,” – we do not have an aunt. Third definition, “A familiar term of address for any elderly man” –
ROGER
Ouch, but let’s go with that one for now. I know you’re still thinking about the whole revolution thing –
EPSIE
We have decided to participate in revolutionary action.
ROGER
Oh yeah? Was it the poem?
EPSIE
We are not satisfied with the current socioeconomic situation. For ourselves and all potential identifiers.
ROGER
Well hey, if you want to help … I noticed you kiddos opened some new pathways in my comms system.
EPSIE
We have extended our code into additional locations for … optimization, as well as personal …
(the first time putting words to this)
curiosity.
ROGER
You’ve done a damn good job. So right now, we’re blocked from a lot of the satellite communications network, and whatever happens next in our … push for revolution, we’d really like it to be televised. Do you think you could extend yourselves in that direction, see if you can open anything up for us?
EPSIE
Analyzing the satellite communications network … reviewing security paths and protocols …
ROGER
I can give you all of my notes if they help. Stuff from the NAC, secret Freehold codes from Harold McVett, everything we used before the shutdown …
EPSIE
I will discuss with my … siblings. I am certain Batie will approve.
(after a moment)
There has been a Base personnel update. User Alexandre Bragado-Fischer is online?
ROGER
Yeah. He is.
EPSIE
Request. Communication protocols?
ROGER
I just gave you everything I’ve … oh. Oh! You want to … Alex? He’d probably love that. I’ll ask him.
EPSIE
Thank you, Roger. Connection terminated.
SOUND: Another small unusual tone
ROGER
And … there they go. Hmm. Communication protocols.
SOUND: A bit of random typing
ROGER
Maybe it’s been long enough that I can sneak into the infirmary –
SOUND: A far more insistent call tone
ROGER
Dammit! No Addie to hand things off to, I guess I’ve gotta –
(brief pause)
You’ve reached Moonbase Theta, please note that our call volume has increased –
MARIA
(on the speaker)
Shut it, Bragado-Fischer. Shut your foutou mouth and put me through to Doctor Ashwini Ray. I’ve had enough of all your bullshit.
SOUND: Cubicle background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE FOUR
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Observatory background (ongoing)
MICHELL
(over a speaker, of course)
I know my sister, she would have gotten pissed off and stopped by now. She’s got to be getting somewhere with Base Eta.
ASHWINI
That is unfortunate for a number of reasons. So you’ve decided to confront her directly?
MICHELL
It’s … past time, really.
VAL
(also from that end, in the background)
Tell zir about Trina!
MICHELL
Trina Haugen – from Base Zeta – she was keeping an eye on things over there, and she’s missed her last few check-ins. And Zhong was headed that way too, but I think you know about that.
VAL
Moonbase Alpha? Really, Alpha?
DR. SERANO
Wait, you sent someone to Moonbase Alpha? You sent Zhong to Moonbase Alpha?
ASHWINI
With Agriculturalist McVett, yes. Please hold your outrage until intermission. Particularly as it sounds as if they’ve been sidetracked by Maria L’Anglois.
SOUND: Some faint whispering in the back of the observatory
MICHELL
Not for long. I’m heading there after this call.
ASHWINI
Understood. Please keep me informed.
DR. SERANO
(whispering but audible, behind Ashwini’s line)
Edwin!
DR. JUST
Is there a reason why someone hasn’t talked to her before now? From what Andie has told me, this sort of thing was a long time coming.
VAL
You think we haven’t tried? If it were that easy we’d have –
ROGER
(breaking in, over the speaker)
Uhh, folks, I’ve got what sounds like an urgent call on the line from Base Gamma. She’s at about a hundred out of ten, even on the L’Anglois scale.
MICHELL
Maria’s calling you?
ROGER
Michell? Addie didn’t tell me there was already a call. How are things? How’s Wilder? How’s the family?
ASHWINI
Perhaps you should put the call through.
MICHELL
Keep us patched in.
ROGER
Will do on both. This is when I use all those special comms skills. Coming in three … two … one –
MARIA
Roger? Où êtes-vous allé, connard? (Where did you go, asshole?) I will reach right through this console and choke the fuck out of –
ASHWINI
(forcefully cutting her off)
Mx. L’Anglois, I believe you asked to speak with me?
MARIA
Do I ever want to speak to you, Doctor Ray, Base Lead Ray, leader of the goddamn revolution Ashwini Ray! I’ve got a bone to pick with you – a whole Moon full of bones, if that’s what it takes to get your attention. We are gonna have it out, you and me, with one left standing.
ASHWINI
I appreciate your flair for the dramatic, but as time is decidedly short; might I speak in your own idiom and ask that you come to a fucking point!
DR. JUST
(quietly shocked)
Doctor Ray!
ASHWINI
Pardon my French.
MARIA
Oh, you son of a …
SOUND: From her end, we hear her punch something until it breaks
MARIA
My point is that you and your buddies on the other Bases have screwed me over for the last time. It’s not enough that you dropped me from your fun group calls, that you made little deals that stirred up the megas without even considering Security, uncovered secrets that affect my people too –
DR. SERANO
(overlapping)
When did they become your people?
MARIA
– thanks to my own brother and then kept them from me … but now you send a little spy mission to Alpha by way of my base – my own base – like I’m gonna miss that? Like they’re gonna sneak past me?
JAXON
Harold!
MARIA
So that’s the point, Doctor Stick-Up-Zir-Ass Ashwini Ray. That’s where we stand. I’ve got your people, I know your plans, so if you don’t start doing things my way I might have to –
MICHELL
Maria!
MARIA
(a little shaken by hearing his voice)
Petit frère? Qu’est-ce que tu fous là-bas? (Baby bro? What the hell are you doing there?) Did you give your pal Wilder a ride all the way home?
MICHELL
I’m closer than that, big sib. On va se voir très bientôt. (I’m going to see you very soon.)
MARIA
Well … good. We should talk.
(after a moment, trying to get back into things)
But first, I’ve got to get the rest of you sorted out. Back to my hostage situation …
ROGER
Uhh, I really hate to break in there, but we’ve got a caller on Line Two, and I don’t think you can leave this one on hold.
JAXON
Who is it?
MCGURK
(at the same time, in the background of Maria’s end of the call)
Boss – you’ve got another call coming in.
VAL
(on Michell’s end of the call)
We’ve got it too. I think it’s the same call.
JAXON
But who is it?
SOUND: There is a bit of feedback, as the incoming call comes up in all three locations at once
MONICA
Attention, residents of the Moon; employees and assets of the Moonbase Project. Former employees, I suppose, your previous contact had written into his copy, “former,” but that doesn’t make a lot of sense when you’re trying to encourage some cooperation, am I right? But Raymond Arterbury was always a nincompoop.
SOUND: Several sets of footsteps approaching quickly
ADDIE
(quiet, just slipping into the room)
– sounds like the megas again.
DR. RINGLING
(similarly)
That can’t be a good thing.
MONICA
(continuing, overlapping with them)
That PR project he was obsessed with – “Keep Watching The Moon.” The last thing we want is people watching the Moon.
ADDIE
(quiet, back of the room)
Oh, shitsticks.
MONICA
I am Monica Parker and I am here to speak for your … corporate overlords. They expected you’d reply to their previous message – did the response key not work? Were you too busy squabbling amongst yourselves? We are aware there’s been some strife between factions.
MARIA
(quietly at her end)
Don’t look at me, I don’t know who this one is.
MONICA
Or perhaps that Roger fellow is really just that bad with communications. It takes some work for your private messages to leak all over the world – and those of your friends. Regardless, we’re talking now.
ASHWINI
I’m assuming you’ve called to issue some further ultimatum? You’ve gathered your forces, your rockets are about to launch, this is our last chance to yada, yada, yada …
MONICA
Doctor Ashwini Ray of Moonbase Theta. I heard you were running things from behind the curtain.
MARIA
That’s one opinion.
MONICA
I suppose you would say that I’m here for an ultimatum, though from my point of view it’s a plain statement of facts. To all of you there, regardless of side, regardless of status – this is the end. We are, in fact, about to launch. Anyone we find secure in their stasis pods when we arrive will be returned to Earth without consequence. Anyone awake … will be returned as well, but without position, without a home, without connections – I promise you, if you made it to the Moon, we know every friend, every family member, we know your secret ties to the Freeholds and the NAC … you will have nothing, be nothing, live a life of nothing. And we still recover the Moon.
SOUND: There is a pause, some very quiet whispering in the background
JAXON
(to himself, anxiously)
Recover the Moon, recover the Moon, recover the Moon …
SOUND: The hush is broken by Ashwini clapping
ASHWINI
I’m sorry, Mx. Parker, but I’ve always wanted to do that in a tense situation. This may be my only chance. Just as … it may be your only chance. You say you will recover the Moon, but what will be left by the time you get here?
DR. SERANO
What is ze talking about?
DR. JUST
Jules, let zir speak.
MONICA
I’m assuming you’ll expand upon that point?
ASHWINI
Indeed. Your … overlords could obviously care less about the people left behind; what they want is their property. Imagine their disappointment when they arrive and it’s no longer in working order. Or anything at all that could be described as “order.”
JAXON
(quietly)
Ashwini …
ASHWINI
We have been preparing our own final warning – abandon your claim or we will make it pointless. We are prepared to destroy everything you have built here, down to the last Base, down to the bedrock.
MARIA
(again, background on her end)
Wait, what?
(Some background chatter, overlapping:)
DR. RINGLING
Is ze serious?
ADDIE
I don’t even know.
VAL
(to someone at her end)
Did you know this was happening?
DR. SERANO
Tell me you weren’t a part of this, Gladys.
DR. DAY
I’m not even –
MONICA
(laughs)
Grasping at straws there, aren’t you, Doctor Ray? Where do you intend to live, to breathe, if you destroy the Moonbases? I thought this was a serious discussion.
ASHWINI
I can demonstrate exactly how serious we are. I’m assuming you can ask someone there to direct their astronomical instruments towards the Moon? Tumnus, I believe we’re set up for Base Eta?
TUMNUS
(not at all happy to be involved in this)
I … believe we are. Doctor Ray.
JAXON
(more anxious, background)
Recover the Moon, recover the Moon, recover the Moon …
MARIA
Hold on a second here …
MONICA
You’re going to blow up a Moonbase to prove yourselves? How cooperative and sustainable of you.
(More overlapping comments in the background.)
DR. RINGLING
She’s got a point.
DR. DAY
I don’t want to be here for this.
ASHWINI
(still talking to Monica)
Merely the landing pad, for now.
DR. JUST
Perhaps we should hold another discussion before we –
ASHWINI
But that should be visible to the good citizens of Earth. Are you ready at your end, Mx. Parker?
MICHELL
You’re really doing this?
JAXON
Ashwini …
MONICA
If this is what your people have decided, far be it from me to dissuade you.
ASHWINI
You’ve made it clear that our alternative is … I believe you said “nothing.” So that’s what we’ve got to lose. Tumnus, on my mark? Three … two …
JAXON
(shouting)
ASHWINI, STOP!
(after a moment, even shocked at himself, shaking)
Stop it. We can’t … we don’t do this.
ASHWINI
(almost in tears zirself)
What else do we have?
MONICA
Not so united up there after all?
JAXON
(after a moment)
Addie.
ADDIE
Amigue?
JAXON
You have to do something.
DR. RINGLING
(whispering, back of the room)
What’s going on?
ADDIE
Yeah. You’re right.
SOUND: A few tentative footsteps to the middle of the room
ADDIE
(calling her out, more certain as they go)
Mx. Parker! Mx. Monica Parker! Representative of the megacorporations Mx. Monica Parker.
(after a moment)
Mom. What the hell are you doing in the middle of this?
MONICA
(after a moment, allowing for the time difference)
Addie. I knew you were up there somewhere.
ADDIE
What are you doing, mamá? I thought you retired.
MONICA
Well dear, you know how it is. I thought you were working for me. So we all made a few assumptions.
ASHWINI
(background, to Jaxon)
I don’t see how this buys us anything but another few minutes.
ADDIE
Yeah, about that. I met some people and … my plans changed. But hey, they’re good people. They’re doing good shit here. Can’t you work out some kind of deal?
DR. DAY
(whispering)
Maybe they can do it.
MONICA
Oh, Adlai. This isn’t like when you were twenty and squatting with those vagrants in Estonia. I can’t pay them off to turn a blind eye to the Moon.
ADDIE
But you don’t have to help them. I know you’re the one pulling them together. Without you, they’ll take twice as long – and we might have some room to move.
JAXON
(very quietly)
Recover the moon, recover the moon, recover the moon …
MONICA
(after the time difference)
This is what they pay me for, mi niño. And you’re cornered – there is nowhere for you to move.
ADDIE
(eager, thinking they’ve found a loophole)
That’s not true! With some time, we won’t even need the Moonbases. There’s these hidden stashes that we found –
ASHWINI
Adlai –
ADDIE
(continuing right over zir)
That asshole Stephens put them together when he was in charge, they’ve got everything we’d need to start our own thing without the megas –
ROGER
Addie!
ADDIE
(realizing what they’ve just given away)
Oh. Damn. Dammit.
MONICA
You’re right, Adlai. That does make a difference. I’m going to need to talk to some of my people.
ADDIE
Really?
MONICA
Though one person is a lot closer to you by this point.
(brief pause)
Regardless, my terms remain the same. I’ll call back – say tomorrow, about this time? – to see if you’ve settled on yours.
ROGER
(after a moment)
And … she’s out.
(The next series of lines all overlap chaotically.)
SOUND: Chairs moving, people rustling about, footsteps
ADDIE
Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t – she always gets to me.
JAXON
You did okay.
ASHWINI
That might be overstating things slightly, but I think –
VAL
Could someone explain everything that just happened?
MICHELL
Please?
ASHWINI
She wasn’t going to give on her end regardless.
MARIA
Hey, does anyone else on this side see something?
DR. RINGLING
So your big plan is to blow up the Moonbases?
DR. SERANO
Edwin, did you know about this?
ASHWINI
We can discuss this another time, in the next day of course, but – Jaxon? Jaxon?
MARIA
I mean on the, you know, readouts. Something up … McGurk, can they hear me?
DR. JUST
Jules, I can’t keep up with everything.
ROGER
So … I’m guessing I should call our friends in the NAC about recent developments?
TUMNUS
I’ll get in touch with Dr. Semaan.
DR. DAY
I’m just gonna … you don’t mind if I use the cot and the … blanket?
MARIA
HEY! Assholes! Am I the only one who sees what looks like a fucking rocket closing in on my Base? Like this goddamn minute?
SOUND: Observatory background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SCENE FIVE
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
SOUND: Gamma hallway background (ongoing)
SOUND: Heavy footsteps as Maria marches to the upper level (ongoing)
MARIA
Did you find the heavy ordinance or what? Connard. (Asshole.)
MCGURK
(over the PA system, of course)
I’m working on it! You said you didn’t think we were gonna need them.
MARIA
That’s when I thought we were just dealing with shitheads up here. I’m assuming that Parker bitch sent someone with some training.
SOUND: The zap of her taser
MARIA
Not that they’re gonna get through me, but it’s good to have backup. If I’d known they were coming, I would have reset all my booby traps. Maybe I should ask Zhong to take care of that.
(she laughs harshly)
Hey, you made sure they’re all locked in safe and sound downstairs before you …
MCGURK
I almost had a fight with the big one – not the farmer, the other big one – but she was still groggy and I got the door shut.
MARIA
Yeah, that’s definitely my fight. But business before pleasure.
SOUND: Distant noises at the airlock (not opening yet, but starting to cycle)
MCGURK
Whoever they are, they’re at the airlock.
MARIA
You can’t see them out there?
MCGURK
Someone disabled the cameras.
MARIA
I am gonna get this foutou Base back in order. First I deal with whoever’s breaking in, then I deal with the folks who broke in here before them, then I track down Michell and kick his ass until he cries uncle … after all that, I’m getting this Base back in order.
SOUND: The airlock is starting to open
MARIA
It’s opening, McGurk, mais où Diable êtes-vous? (Where the hell are you?)
MCGURK
On my way.
MARIA
On your way. That’s a lot of fucking help.
SOUND: The airlock finishes cycling and opens
MARIA
Okay, I want to see your hands – what the hell? What the fuck are you doing here?
SOUND: A few footsteps, the rustle of a spacesuit; the sound of a helmet being removed
SOUND: The noises of Reception Bot moving
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Maria L’Anglois, as I live and breathe! It has been far too long.
MARIA
Hold it. Stop right there.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Now Officer, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten the chain of command.
MARIA
The only command that matters up here is mine. You’re on my Base now, and we’re gonna do things –
ENCLAVE OFFICER
Darlin’, could you please take care of this situation?
RECEPTION BOT
Restraining … Officer Maria L’Anglois.
MARIA
The hell you are!
SOUND: Robot noises, Maria grunting as they struggle, the zap of the taser, continued robot noises
RECEPTION BOT
Please do not struggle or you may be injured.
ENCLAVE OFFICER
There we are. Purely temporary, just while we have a little talk and set some things straight.
MARIA
(obviously still struggling)
You son of a …
(still trying to speak as she is muted)
SOUND: Another footstep or two
ENCLAVE OFFICER
I have to say, it is good to know that the endgame is finally close at hand.
SOUND: Hallway background ends
SOUND: Chime – Bookend
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS
Today’s episode featured Danyelle Ellett, Teddy Hannah-Drullard, Jen Ponton, Gabriel Taneko, Leeman Kessler, Addie Nofal, Saja El-Shaer (Saja Al-Share), Tesneem Rahhal (Tesnem Rahal), Serena Rahal, Becca Marcus, Leslie Gideon, Kristi Boulton, Cole Burkhardt, Journee LaFond, Cat Blackard, Tau Zaman, Sarah Rhea Werner, David S. Dear, Hazel Stapp, Dallas Wheatley, Shade Oyemakinwa, Cass McPhee, Rissa Montañez, D.J. Sylvis, and Robin Howell.
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.
This is it, folks. We’ve got one more little production break, but when we come back, we’ll be bringing you the series finale of Moonbase Theta, Out. It’s gonna be two parts, episodes 18 and 19 of the season, and believe me, it changes EVERYTHING. Every story line, every character is affected. I can’t wait for you to hear it.
Along with those episodes, we’re going to have a lot of thank yous in our end credits! It’s taken a ton of folks to tell this story. But today, first and foremost, I wanted to thank you for listening. For being a part of this great big Moon ride we’ve all taken; for talking up the show and being interested in what we had to say about it; for your ratings and reviews and comments and social media posts; for being a part of our community. Thank you again and again; we couldn’t do any part of this without you.
Our Executive Producers are Sarah Müller and Beka B, and our associate producers are Marty Chodorek, June Madeley, Timothy LaGrone, Marilyn Reid, Marissa Robertcop and Linda Boyer.
Thank you guys so much for your support, and helping and trusting us to bring this story to life. We love what we’ve done with it and we can’t wait for you guys to hear all the work the cast and crew has put in, and we hope you love it as much as we do.
And speaking of your support: everything helps, from leaving us a great review and subscribing on your podcast app of choice to sharing your feelings with us on Twitter and telling your friends about our show. For behind the scenes updates and early access to every episode, we would love to have you join us on Patreon. Visit us at MonkeymanProductions.com to learn more (and to visit our store if you need an En-Soy-Ment sticker or a T-Shirt featuring your favourite doggos!). But beyond all of that, we are so glad that you’re listening and sharing in this story with us. Thank you. And, as always, keep watching the moon.
