WAITING FOR OCTOBER S1 – E5.5 – “Grey”
by D.J. Sylvis
ANNOUNCER: There is a world – one of many that touches ours – known as October. One of the archetypes; one of the realities that is a source for our stories. It is not difficult to reach, if you know the way – you can experience their wildness for yourself, adventure there, and live, and love. But be wary – perhaps more than any other existence, here there be monsters …
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
SCENE ONE
SOUND: City background, night (ongoing)
SOUND: A bit of wind shaking the tree branches
SOUND: A few other quiet murmurs, coughs, behind the first few lines
WERE 1
Why is it so cold all of a sudden?
KARIM
I’m gonna change.
WERE 2
He said not to until he gets here.
KARIM
What for?
WERE 1
It’s all bullshit. Why aren’t we meeting in the woods?
GREY
(walking towards them)
Because I know you can run in the woods. The woods are the easy part.
SOUND: A few more murmurs and whispers, ending with the next line
WERE 2
Grey! Show some respect, it’s Grey.
GREY
Hey, guys. Thanks for showing up, I know it’s not our usual Friday night run.
KARIM
I know some better parks, if you want –
WERE 1
Not even squirrels live here.
GREY
Here is good. Trust me, I’ve got my reasons.
SOUND: Grey unzips his jacket
GREY
I hope you’ve all stretched out, you’re all warm and limber. I hope you ate a good dinner earlier; your protein, your carbs. Remember – no growling tummies on a run, only growling muzzles.
(very brief pause)
And on that note, it’s time to change. Off with all of the restrictive clothes, ditch those shoes – but we’re only going into Were form tonight, not full wolf. Or Karim, full bear. Glad you’re here tonight.
KARIM
Thank you.
SOUND: Some grumbling, people taking off jackets, trousers, shoes
GREY
That’s your first lesson on city running – Were form is better, it’s more adaptable.
SOUND: Transformation noises behind the next few lines – muscles shifting, bones creaking
WERE 1
(voice is thicker now in were form)
Where do we put all our stuff?
GREY
And that’s lesson number two. In the woods, you can leave your possessions under any fallen log and they’ll be safe – you can not count on that here. But again, I come prepared.
SOUND: Unzipping a duffel bag; a few groans as they see what he’s brought
GREY
That’s right; the simple, the reliable, the fanny pack. And none of you are “too cool” to wear one. Anything you want to keep handy – keys, money, your phone, I pre-stocked each one with jerky … snap ‘em in place, fellas – sorry, Ari, checking in to make sure you’re still okay with “fellas” …
SOUND: Sporadic snapping noises as they put on the packs
WERE 2
(voice is thicker now in were form)
No problem, thanks for asking.
GREY
Okay, so snap ‘em in place, and extra clothes or shoes can go into this duffel, if someone can take it back to my car and join us en route.
(brief pause)
Oh, Sly – be careful with that binder on. You might want to wrap a little looser next time, or invest in a good sports bra.
(brief pause)
Everyone ready? If this is your first time in Were form for a while, do a quick check, especially your feet. Lots more random sharp objects in the city. Still try to avoid those if you see ‘em; it won’t hurt in this form, but if you change to human again before they’ve worked their way out …
WERE 1
When are you gonna change?
GREY
I’m gonna hold off for a while and lead you like this, for maximum visibility. Think of me as your little rabbit to chase – and you better keep up.
KARIM
Heh. Rabbit.
GREY
Now, if everyone’s ready? And let’s make that the last question, no more talking until you learn to run.
SOUND: A bit of a mutter, and low growling that cuts off when he speaks again
GREY
All right, and … let’s go!
SOUND: A rush of running footsteps, but a bit behind Grey – he easily stays at the front (keep their footsteps quiet but continuing)
GREY
(a bit breathless)
Stick to the paths for now. Get used to the asphalt, push back when you run, find your rhythm. It’s a harder surface, your pads are going to hurt before we’re done. The first time I ran on pavement, I was limping by the time I made it back to the car.
(brief pause, aside:)
Down this way.
(brief pause)
It was around when I got interested in local government – I knew that meant a lot more time in the city, more time on my feet in public buildings, that sort of thing. If I came off as a simple country werewolf, what was I gonna accomplish?
(brief pause)
This side, along the road. Be careful, the streetlights can really mess with your night vision.
SOUND: Cars passing by behind the next line or two (quietly)
GREY
I thought it’d be an easy adjustment. I was an athlete back in the day. Karim, you remember! He was my hunting partner. I chased them in, he’d give them one slap and – bing bang boom!
SOUND: Karim laughs, a little breathless already
GREY
I was class treasurer, debate captain … you’d think the transition into politics would be – well, a downhill run. But I had a lot to learn. Here, hold up at the crosswalk.
SOUND: The running stops; a bit more traffic at the crosswalk
GREY
When you’re at a stop, you can take a break or keep jogging in place. It looks silly, but it’s a valid choice to stay warmed up. When you cross, make eye contact with the drivers, stare them down so they know to stay put. There’s something about being behind the wheel, they think they have the right to inch forward –
SOUND: The light changes and a crossing alert sounds
GREY
Okay, back to it!
SOUND: Running footsteps again, the crossing alert fades behind them – note the running surface changes from pavement to a dirt trail below
GREY
Let’s cut off this way – this is an unofficial trail, give your pads a little rest. Where was I? Right, my adjustment to the political sphere. When I was elected – and I appreciate all of your votes – I thought I was ready. I’d trained – I’d worked in the previous Representative’s office, sat in on sessions at every level –
SOUND: A dog barking cuts him off; the running stops and then a chorus of growls in response
GREY
Fellas! Come on now, it’s a Shih Tzu, on a leash. I’m sorry, Mx., I’ll get them out of the way. Let’s go!
SOUND: The running resumes
KARIM
Sorry, sir.
GREY
A Shih Tzu! You’ve got to smooth out those rough edges. Remember, you’re in a different place here.
(brief pause)
Which is right where I was in my story … an upstanding young beast on the move, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, ready to fight the world … but desperately in need of some polish! I thought I’d just jump right in and change everything. I walked into the chambers that first night – I remember what was on the agenda well, it was a zoning conflict, farming versus unincorporated woodlands and you know I campaigned on protecting our forests! I had all the facts, all the research, I had some community members planted in the audience to ask questions, and just before they close the doors, you know who glides through to argue for the farmland? Turn right here –
(brief pause)
Auncle fucking Lantern! Can you goddamn believe it? First vote, first night, and I’m arguing against a Fundamental! Xe’s dedicated to the expansion of the farming safety zone. I’ll tell you, my heart was in my throat looking up at that pumpkin grin! Then, halfway into my exposition, the Chair cut me off to allow time for Auncle to speak xir piece! Let me tell you, it was all over after that. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen A.L. make a speech … I’m surprised I wasn’t caught up in xir wake for weeks after that!
SOUND: For a few moments, we just hear the sounds of running, some louder breathing
GREY
Speaking of, another reason to run here in the city – with so many other folks around, there’s less chance of anyone changing the story.
(brief pause)
Xe stopped beside me on the way out that night. I figured to gloat – xe’d gotten everything xe wanted. But leaning in close, so only I could see xir sign, xe said, “Sometimes, we fight too hard for the world we were made from, and not for the one we’re creating.”
WERE 2
What’s that mean?
GREY
That was my reaction at the time. But it’s something I’ve thought a lot about, since I left that night with my tail between my legs.
SOUND: Another moment focusing on the running and breathing
GREY
And stop! Let’s head back here for a few minutes – it’s a quiet spot. Let’s take a break together.
SOUND: The running stops, the breathing continues for a bit
GREY
It’s a good time for that jerky I packed you.
SOUND: A few furtive unzips of some fanny packs
GREY
“Sometimes we fight too hard for the world we were made from, and not for the one we’re creating.” I was only arguing for what I knew, I thought that was enough to win the day. Auncle knew all the angles – xe won the forest and the farmlands. But xe wanted to make sure I understood why.
SOUND: Grey walks a few steps and back again (bare feet on grass)
GREY
We’re here tonight because it’s important that you learn to adapt. Your bodies, your minds, your emotions. You’ve been raised in the pack, and I wouldn’t have it any other way – but you need to be ready for other places, other folks, other reasons to be. And not all of those will be as … forthright as Auncle Lantern.
(brief pause)
You’re getting ready to make your first crossing to the other side. Don’t give me surprised looks – my hearing is as good as anyone’s, and most of you are not subtle. I’m looking at you, Ari.
SOUND: A few disappointed groans
GREY
(continuing over them)
You want to go over as a group, you want to run in another world together, and hunt, and howl. Believe it or not, you didn’t invent the idea.
(brief pause)
And believe it or not, I’m not here to try to stop you. I just want you to be prepared. You need to be ready to adapt … because no one on that side is going to change for you. After all these years and all our visits, they aren’t even ready to see you.
(brief pause)
There’s all kinds of rules to remember over there, but the crossing guards will remind you. Tell someone where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone. Don’t use public restrooms if you can help it – just go in the woods. Watch out for kids, they’re the most unpredictable. Remember, police are a much bigger thing over there.
(brief pause)
You’re going to learn about the pull – you’ve heard of it before, but now you’re going to feel it. I know people talk a lot about learning to resist it, but I’m telling you to trust that pull. To lean into it. To let it bring you home if you’re stuck somewhere; that’s what it’s for.
(brief pause)
It’s good that you want to go together. Be careful, watch out, trust your senses. Protect each other.
(brief pause)
There are some good things over there. It’s a bigger place – you can run far. Rabbits are easier to catch than jackalopes. You’re a story in a world that’s not prepared to meet their stories face to face – but that can be fun.
(brief pause)
And it’s probably good for them. They like to think we’re shadows, monsters upon monsters; they shouldn’t always get to feel safe and separate.
(brief pause, getting emotional)
Just make sure you all get back here. We need you. I need you – you’re all my family, some of you long before you joined the pack.
(brief pause)
Okay, that’s … all I’ve got to say. I’m gonna run with you this time, I’m tired of playing human.
SOUND: Perhaps just a bit of transformation noise; when Grey speaks again, his voice has thickened
GREY
All right, guys. Ready to get back into it?
SOUND: All at once, they take off running again
SOUND: He howls; a few of the others join in, and there’s one bear-like roar in there too
SOUND: The running feet fade with the background
(The scene ends.)
(The episode ends.)
PRODUCERS: Hi! Thank you so much for listening to the show!
Waiting for October is written by D.J. Sylvis, with sound design by Caroline Mincks, and music by Trace Callahan. This episode featured Dallas Hawthorne as Grey, Ted Heavner as Were 1 Angie Min as Were 2, and Adam Qutaishat as Karim.
Our co-producers are D.J. Sylvis, Tina Case, and Sarah Müller. Our associate producers are Fool & Scholar Productions, Kathleen Lucas, Marcus Briggs, Martin Chodorek, Rebekah B.
A special thanks to our Patreon supporters who have helped make all of our stories happen! If you’d like to support our work or celebrate the folks who make it happen visit our Patreon at patreon.com(backslash)monkeymanproductions
Today our Crowdfundr shoutout is to Elizabeth Lyon and Emma Houtz. Thank you for your support!
Sliding in with another show to suggest for your listening pleasure – and this one is from our composer, Trace Callahan. Go into your podcast app and look for The Last Echoes – it’s a political sci-fi story that’s deeply fascinating and deeply meaningful.
We’ll return to October next episode, but without one of our lead characters! It’s time for Yvonne to have her solo mission … though it might not turn out quite as solo as she thinks. Until then, snap that fanny pack into place and get back on the trail!
Note – there may be advertisements inserted at this point in the episode.
