MASON

So, you said we have an interview with someone soon?

HEN

Oh, yes! It’s a woman from Colony 6-14, where the previous round of evacuations went to. In fact, she should be calling us right… about… [call sound] Now! Hello, Wimofrey!

WILDER

Hello!

MASON

Mrs. Wilder!

WILL

Hey! How’s Naomi?

WILDER

Oh, she’s great! It’s so nice to hear you two, we were so worried.

HEN

You know each other?

MASON

Yeah, I’ve known her for years. She was part of our survivor group, too.

WILDER

Mason was there for the birth of my child, and I can’t thank them enough.

MASON

Will was there, too, in spirit.

WILDER

I suppose he was! A big thanks to you both, then.

HEN

Huh, cool! So, now that we have you: What’s it like over in 6-14?

WILDER

It’s good! I spend a lot of time in my room or in the lounge with Naomi, and the people assigned to healthcare have been very attentive. Oh, you’ll be happy to hear that Aaron and Elris have made a full recovery!

MASON

That’s awesome!

WILDER

It is! And we’re making plenty of friends here, it’s really nice. There’s a strong sense of community, of ordinary people coming together during a crisis—it’s really lovely.

HEN

Aw, that’s how it is here, too! I’m glad we were able to be evacuated here.

WILL

I’ll admit, it seems pretty good here.

MASON

For those who aren’t bitten, at least.

WILDER

Bitten? Did someone get a bite?

MASON

Will did, so he’s quarantining again. He’s already had the vaccine though, so we’re crossing our fingers.

WILDER

Oh, dear. You’ll be in my thoughts!

WILL

Thanks, Mrs. Wilder.

HEN

Why don’t you tell us a little more about your colony? Has anyone you know been elected to your colony’s council?

WILDER

Elris wanted to run, once he was recovered. One of the people from Blackpool got elected, though. He’s a nice enough man, I think. He’ll do a good job.

HEN

We’re having an election here soon. Do you think either of you will run?

MASON

Oh, no, I’m not the leader type.

WILL

Me neither. Maybe Tairam though?

MASON

Oh yeah, he’d be great for that. I mean, he led us well enough. And he always puts his people first, even if he’s a bit prickly about it.

HEN

Who’s Tairam?

WILL

He led our little group of survivors back on Earth.

HEN

I’d love to meet him sometime.

MASON

I’m sure you will, if he comes to visit us.

WILL

When he finds out I’ve been bitten, I don’t think he’ll be able to stay away.

WILDER

Oh, he’ll be worrying worse than me. He can be quite the mother hen, you know.

MASON

In a sweet, pissed-off kind of way.

HEN

He sounds great.

WILDER

Oh, he is. He insisted I go with the soonest evacuation, which is why I’m at this colony instead of yours. And although it’s sad I don’t get to see you guys, I’m happy where I am! It’s a nice place, even if… well…

MASON

What? What’s wrong?

WILDER

Things… aren’t perfect. Which, of course they aren’t, it’s the apocalypse and we’re on the moon, we’re lucky to even be here. But I thought they would… have things figured out a little more. Things seem to go wrong so often, like… oh, like they just weren’t prepared to host this many people so soon.

WILL

They probably weren’t. I mean, did anyone hear anything about the moon colonies before the virus started getting big and the local news told us we’d be evacuated here?

MASON

Not a word, but it was an emergency. They had to put these colonies to use, even though they probably wanted to use them for something else.

WILL

I guess. Hey, in the end, we got here. All is well, for us at least.

MASON

Besides you getting bitten within ten minutes of being let in?

WILL

Actually, I feel… good. I haven’t turned yet, have I? God, I must be lucky as hell to avoid turning twice.

HEN

Twice?

MASON

Yeah, what does that mean?

WILL

Ah… Shit.

WILDER

Maybe I should go?

MASON

Shit, yeah, uh- Sorry, Mrs. Wilder. It was nice talking to you.

WILDER

Oh, it was nice talking to you too, dear. Have a good night!

MASON

You too. [call end sound] Will. Have you been bitten before?

WILL

Not… for sure? It’s complicated, I- I couldn’t tell whether it was a scratch or a bite.

MASON

When was this?

WILL

It was… while we were talking over the radio. I kept it a secret because I- I just didn’t want to worry you even more, especially if nothing came of it. And nothing did!

MASON

Yeah, but I… I still would’ve liked to know, Will. You can’t just keep secrets like that, we’re- We’re-

[door opening]

DR. ELORA

Knock knock! If you’ll excuse me, I need to check in on Will and give him his dinner.

WILL

Hey, it’s the third day, doc. Does that mean I can roam free tomorrow?

DR. ELORA

Oh, well… We’re actually thinking we’ll keep you here for one more day, just to be sure. You can never be too careful, you know; there’s no sense in starting a second apocalypse here on the moon.

WILL

[sigh] I guess that makes sense.

MASON

No, it doesn’t. People turn within seventy-two hours after being bitten, so if Will hasn’t turned by lunch time tomorrow-

DR. ELORA

It’s just a precaution—Mason, was it?

MASON

Yeah.

DR. ELORA

Mason. One more day won’t hurt, will it? It’s for his own good.

MASON

Ugh. Fine, but I’m not happy about it.

HEN

Oh, don’t worry, Mason! He’ll be out before you know it.

WILL

And then we can properly explore this place, and get you situated in the actual radio station.

MASON

I guess…

WILL

You should go eat dinner, Mason. I’ll be fine when you get here tomorrow morning, and I’ll be fine when I’m released the day after that. You have nothing to worry about. I- I…

MASON

What?

WILL

Nothing, just… thank you for staying with me.

MASON

Of course, Will.

HEN

Come on, Mason, we can walk to the mess hall together. See you tomorrow, Will! And to all our loyal listeners—enjoy the night show.

MASON

After we lug all this equipment back to the station, that is.

WILL

I can’t believe you guys do that every day.

MASON

We’re very determined.

HEN

Goodnight, everyone!