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This Planet Needs a Name
Imagine a handful of scientists and engineers setting out to terraform a planet - a world - for the frozen people they've got in tow. Just a few people, carefully chosen, who will live out their lives building something they'll never see.
That's us. We're building a future.
A science fiction audio drama suitable for our times.
This Planet Needs a Name
On Earth: Zahava
In this prequel episode, “On Earth: Zahava,” we get a glimpse of Zahava's life long before she assembled the Nameless Crew.
Content Notes: none.
The transcript is available. If the transcript link is broken please email needsanamepod@gmail.com and we’ll get it to you as soon as we can. We’ve changed to google docs for our transcripts for accessibility - please let us know if anything isn’t working!
This episode, the first in its series, was written and directed by Evan Tess Murray. Original composition, sound design, and audio engineering were by Trace Callahan. We're also excited to welcome two guest voices into the crew for this episode! Check out the links for more of their work:
- Caroline Mincks as Zahava
- Khalila Roney as Akila
- Darin Earl as Terence
Our podcast art was created by Katy Schifferer. Check out her work!
Please, if you can, donate to Wabanaki Reach at mainewabanakireach.org.
We tell a story about another world, but we're not giving up on this one.
On Earth: Zahava
by
Evan Tess Murray
Akila ... Khalila Marie
Terence ... Darin Earl
Zahava ... Caroline Mincks
SCENE 1.
INT. HOUSE, AFTERNOON
AKILA is in the kitchen, looking out across the water. She fills a glass with water from a tap, opens the window with a hand-crank, and takes a deep breath. She sighs happily, then turns away from the window.
AKILA
(calling) Tee? You busy, hon?
TERENCE
(from another room) Not really...
TERENCE emerges from a bedroom and walks toward AKILA while he talks.
TERENCE
...is there something you need?
AKILA
You mean, other than my husband?
TERENCE
I'm your husband all the time, dear. Is there something you need right now?
AKILA
Oh I hate letting that setup go... but I was actually wondering if you'd decided what to make for dinner.
TERENCE
I thought something light? Save the brisket for shabbat... that way we get leftovers all day.
AKILA
Brisket. That's something out of my bubbe's stories.
TERENCE
It's a new program but I think it's very meat-like. It has what looks a lot like cartilage, even.
AKILA
Even with that description, I'm up to try it. So... tonight?
TERENCE
Pick anything we like from the garden, add anything we like from cold storage?
AKILA
Can you do that lemon poppy seed dressing?
TERENCE
For you, my dear, gallons of it.
They chuckle, kiss, look out the window together.
TERENCE
If that's really all you-
He is interrupted by a comms ping.
TERENCE
It's - Key, it's her.
AKILA answers the comms.
AKILA
Zahava? Is it really you?
ZAHAVA
Lot of people imitating my voice these days?
TERENCE
It's good to hear from you. It's been... a while.
ZAHAVA
I know. I have so much to tell you.
AKILA
But you're all right?
ZAHAVA
Here, let me turn on visuals.
TERENCE
Damn, girl, you're looking good.
AKILA elbows him.
AKILA
Terence!
ZAHAVA
(with a laugh) Thank you. I'm glad you approve.
AKILA
Wait - behind you - Zahava, are you here?
TERENCE
Way to bury the lede.
AKILA
You're on leave?
ZAHAVA
Not exactly, but - I mean - yes -
TERENCE
How long have you been back?
ZAHAVA
Half an hour, Tee. Would you believe they sublet my apartment while I was offshore?
TERENCE
Your - is that why you're outside?
ZAHAVA
It's also just a nice day... Don't worry, I'll get it sorted out.
AKILA
You know you can stay with us until then, right?
TERENCE
We'll make up the, um, guest room.
AKILA
He means we'll hide all his stuff in the back of the closet.
TERENCE
You make it sound so sinister. I'm not ashamed.
ZAHAVA
Oh? A new hobby?
TERENCE
I've been learning to program... but there's time for that later. Please at least come for dinner.
AKILA
How's the old saying go? Come for dinner, stay for - the night?
ZAHAVA
(laughing) Not tonight, but - I could come tomorrow?
AKILA
Tee's making a brisket.
ZAHAVA
Brisket? Like... the meat?
TERENCE
Why do you both sound so skeptical?
ZAHAVA
I can't wait to try it.
There's a ping on Zahava's end of the call.
ZAHAVA
Terence - Akila - it's so good to see you both. I have to take this. Tomorrow afternoon?
AKILA
We'll be here.
TERENCE
I'll bake for you.
ZAHAVA
This is how I know you love me. See you then.
ZAHAVA disconnects.
AKILA
She really did look good.
TERENCE
Then why did you elbow me?
AKILA
We haven't heard from her in months! We should say something other than "hey girl, you're looking fine." Like, for example, "thank God you're alive."
TERENCE
That's what I meant, you know.
AKILA
Yeah. I know.
TERENCE
She looked - happier?
AKILA
No new scars.
TERENCE
Key - she's alive, and we'll see her tomorrow.
AKILA
I love you, you know that?
TERENCE
I love you too.
FADE OUT.
SCENE 2.
INT. HOUSE, AFTERNOON, THE NEXT DAY
We are back in Terence & Akila's house. Terence is kneading dough by hand. Akila is pacing.
TERENCE
Sweetheart. I love you. Can you please stop pacing.
AKILA
I didn't realize I was. Sorry.
She pulls out a wooden chair, sits at the table. TERENCE grunts with the effort of kneading.
AKILA
I love watching you knead it by hand.
TERENCE
I swear it tastes better.
AKILA
We still have some of the honey the Hamblins gave me last month.
More kneading, a bit of silence.
TERENCE
She said afternoon, I'm sure it'll be -
We hear a vehicle approach.
AKILA
Here she comes.
AKILA goes over and opens the door. We hear Zahava get out of the vehicle and walk over.
ZAHAVA
Hey! I made it! Damn it's good to be -
AKILA
And it's good to see you - get over here -
There is a significantly long hug.
AKILA
(quietly) We've missed you.
ZAHAVA
(quietly) I've missed you too.
TERENCE has put the dough up and runs over, wrapping his arms around both of them in a giant hug.
AKILA
Tee! Ow!
They all laugh.
TERENCE
Is it my fault that I'm very strong from all the hugging?
ZAHAVA
Just the hugging. Nothing else at all.
TERENCE
I printed a new set of freeweights if you want to-
AKILA
Let her get in the door, Tee.
ZAHAVA
(with a laugh) Later! There's time!
They all walk into the kitchen.
ZAHAVA
Tee - your hair is so long.
TERENCE
I liked the way you cut it last time you were here.
ZAHAVA
So you just...
TERENCE
...didn't get around to cutting it? (beat) I missed you. It reminded me.
ZAHAVA
I'll cut it later if you want.
TERENCE
I'd like that.
Companionable silence.
ZAHAVA
New curtains...
AKILA
Candace Kline made them for us.
ZAHAVA
Oh, how's she doing?
AKILA
Her son's been sick, we've been visiting a lot.
TERENCE
Can we save the talking about work for later, too?
ZAHAVA
I - yes, actually, I definitely want to talk to you both about work, later.
TERENCE
For now, there's challah rising, a not-brisket is cooking, I know for sure we have fresh green beans on the vine because I saw them yesterday and carefully didn't pick them...
AKILA
Let's sit by the water and catch up.
ZAHAVA
You know much I miss it when I'm gone.
Over the next bit, they head toward a door, open it, walk outside, sit on rocks with the water nearby. We hear soft waves, occasional wildlife. It's quiet.
AKILA
I swear you have salt water for blood.
TERENCE
One of these days you'll dive into the sound and turn into a seal and we'll have to lie to all the people who come and ask us pointed questions about you.
AKILA
Please don't. I really hate lying.
TERENCE
I mean you're not allowed to lie, are you?
AKILA
It's a gray area. If I have to save a life...
TERENCE
It would, in this case, be my life.
AKILA
(with a grin) ...probably worth it.
They laugh.
ZAHAVA
I promise not to dive in and turn into anything.
A moment of silence as they appreciate the landscape.
AKILA
Should we ask...
A pregnant pause.
ZAHAVA
Not... yet? It's - I really do have a lot to tell you. It's not all bad, this time. But first - let me get my feet under me. It takes a bit to remember I'm safe here.
TERENCE
You are.
ZAHAVA
I know. But - for now - tell me how the neighbors are. I want all the news.
TERENCE
The gossip.
ZAHAVA
I admit it. I want the gossip. (beat) I want normal things. Tell me whose kids have been caught breaking minor laws and who has a new job... how's the garden doing? Tell me about Candace Kline's son if you want, just.. Normal human stories. Please.
A pause. Akila reaches out.
AKILA
Of course - Zahava - here, lean on me. You know I love to tell stories.
TERENCE
You'd swear it was her job.
AKILA
It pretty much is.
ZAHAVA
Remind me I'm a person, Key.
AKILA
Always.
FADE OUT.
SCENE 3.
INT. HOUSE, LATER
It is sundown. The table is laid, the candles are in their holders. The three are in the dining room, sitting around the table.
AKILA
Zahava? Would you like to light the candles?
ZAHAVA
Oh - of course - if you like.
Zahava strikes a match and lights the candles.
AKILA
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.
TERENCE
Shabbat Shalom.
ZAHAVA
Shabbat Shalom.
AKILA
Now - Tee - show us this bread you've been hiding.
ZAHAVA
It smells amazing.
TERENCE takes a cloth off the loaves.
ZAHAVA
It also looks amazing. How do you always get the braids so even?
TERENCE
Long practice? I think I might have kneaded this too long though.
AKILA
Oh, stop, you know it will be perfect. Will you bless the bread, tonight?
TERENCE
(sings) Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, haMotzi lechem min haaretz.
AKILA
Show-off.
ZAHAVA
I thought it was nice.
AKILA
B'tayavon! Dig in.
We hear everyone serving themselves a variety of food. Bread, the brisket, vegetables. Hearty food. A few eating sounds.
ZAHAVA
You know, I can't actually compare this to anything.
TERENCE
Because none of us have had brisket before.
AKILA
Because it was made out of cows.
ZAHAVA
But this tastes amazing.
TERENCE
I'll give you the recipe if you want.
ZAHAVA
I mean, you can just make it every time I come over.
There's a slight pause.
TERENCE
For you, anything. So much brisket you get tired of it.
ZAHAVA
Impossible.
A bit more companionable silence.
AKILA
Zahava?
ZAHAVA
Akila?
AKILA
I wouldn't bring it up during dinner, but...
ZAHAVA
All over my face, is it?
TERENCE
We can tell when you're not saying something.
Pause.
ZAHAVA
It's fine. I... you know we've talked about the job. My reservations.
AKILA
Yes.
ZAHAVA
I'll spare you the details, but... this trip was long, and I had a lot of time off-grid to think.
TERENCE
And what did you think?
ZAHAVA
Well, it was less think and more plan.
She is starting to smile.
AKILA
Wait - what?
ZAHAVA
I quit.
TERENCE
You-
ZAHAVA
Quit my job.
AKILA
But your contract -
ZAHAVA
I am very clever and I know quite a few secrets. I negotiated.
TERENCE
Zahava, that's - that's incredible!
AKILA
Is that why you were home earlier than they expected and your apartment wasn't yours anymore?
ZAHAVA
About that.
TERENCE
Yes. You can stay.
AKILA
You can always stay. Your room is ready.
ZAHAVA
I didn't mean-
TERENCE
The house is yours too, Zee.
AKILA
We wouldn't live here if you hadn't-
ZAHAVA
Stop, I could help and I did.
AKILA
You'll always have a home with us... Zee.
ZAHAVA
Zee, huh?
TERENCE
We started doing it by accident.
AKILA
I knew he'd slip up.
ZAHAVA
Key, Tee, Zee. (beat) I like it.
TERENCE
Told you she would.
AKILA
I remember that conversation differently.
ZAHAVA
Hang on, how much do you talk about me when I'm in the field?
AKILA
I mean, once or twice-
TERENCE
-a day.
Humor, but a bit of a pause.
ZAHAVA
I thought of you every day too. Of this place - my favorite corner of the world, and my favorite people.
AKILA
You don't have to flatter us anymore, we already invited you to stay.
TERENCE
Maybe she just actually really likes us, dearest.
AKILA
What? Zahava? Mean exactly what she says?
ZAHAVA
Stop it! You're impossible. (beat) But wait - I don't want - I don't know how long it will be. I have a few opportunities lined up, but I don't want to intrude on your lives.
TERENCE
You aren't.
AKILA
Zee, we talked about this already. We know what we're offering.
ZAHAVA
...wait, what? What are you offering?
TERENCE
This is your home. With us. Forever, if you want.
AKILA
We love you, and we love our life when you're here.
TERENCE
The worst part was not knowing if you'd come back.
AKILA
But we always trusted you would if you could, because-
TERENCE
-we're your safe place.
ZAHAVA
I - you're not wrong. I'll... I'll stay a while, anyway. (beat) I mean, someone needs to keep you honest, Key.
AKILA
That's me, known for my dishonesty, as previously discussed.
TERENCE
We can clear the table later - maybe we should sit on the deck? It's a clear night for once. I'll bring the wine.
They get up, walk toward a sliding door, walk onto a wooden deck. This side of the house faces the woods. It's night and silent except for peepers and an occasional owl or rustle.
ZAHAVA
I hardly know what to say. (deep breath, happy sigh) Do you have anything more planned for tonight?
AKILA
Well, you know we observe shabbat.
ZAHAVA
Of course.
TERENCE
I mean, not that strictly, but we do try.
AKILA
So, generally, after dinner I drag Terence to bed.
ZAHAVA sputters, possibly even chokes on her wine.
TERENCE
If she actually had to drag me she'd never manage.
AKILA
I pleasantly invite Terence to bed.
TERENCE
It turns out sex on shabbat is a mitzvah.
ZAHAVA is now openly laughing
ZAHAVA
You're terrible! Now I'm going to, what, put in earplugs and pretend you didn't tell me this?
AKILA
That's definitely one of your choices.
TERENCE
Not the one I'd pick.
ZAHAVA
What -
She takes a very deliberate sip of wine. They're watching her.
ZAHAVA
Okay, I definitely understand what you're asking.
AKILA
I wonder if you do?
ZAHAVA
I sure thought I did until you said that.
AKILA
You're family no matter what, you know.
TERENCE
Key, do you think this is the time -
AKILA
I'd rather say it than not, Tee.
ZAHAVA
Okay, you're worrying me a little. I thought that was a pretty straightforward invitation-
AKILA
It can be, if you want.
TERENCE
And you don't have to decide anything tonight.
ZAHAVA
Decide anything?
TERENCE
Except which bed you want to sleep in, that sort of thing.
ZAHAVA
What else... am I deciding?
AKILA
Zee - wait - before we say more - do you even want -
ZAHAVA
(cutting her off) Yes.
AKILA
Come closer?
ZAHAVA moves closer to AKILA
ZAHAVA
I haven't forgotten that there's something you want to ask me.
AKILA
It can wait -
They're very close, whispering.
ZAHAVA
Key, I've known for years, but I thought -
AKILA
That we could somehow, impossibly, not fall in love with you?
ZAHAVA draws a sharp breath, almost a gasp.
ZAHAVA
(teasing, but softly) You don't need to flatter me anymore, I've already said I'll stay...
AKILA
If you don't kiss me very soon I think Tee is going to die from secondhand tension.
ZAHAVA
Well. I'd hate to make you lie to save my life...
They kiss for a bit. Their breath catches; it’s passionate, but soft.
ZAHAVA
So that's... yes.
TERENCE
Zee.
ZAHAVA
Feeling... left out, Tee?
TERENCE
I'll survive it, I just - we have something to ask you, still.
AKILA
You said you wouldn't forget.
ZAHAVA
And then you kissed me and I forgot my name.
AKILA
Zahava. Your name is Zahava, because you're precious.(beat) And you kissed me.
ZAHAVA
I remember it differently.
TERENCE
Key, stop distracting her.
ZAHAVA
Sorry, of course I'm paying attention, very focused, yes sir.
TERENCE
You're ridiculous.
ZAHAVA
Do I get to kiss you next?
TERENCE
Yes please. But first - and don't feel like you have to answer tonight -
ZAHAVA
Oh, right, that's where we were when Key interrupted my train of thought.
AKILA
I did- (cuts herself off) Sorry, sorry, I'll be quiet.
TERENCE
You never have been yet.
AKILA
I'll be quieter.
TERENCE
We don't just want one night, Zee. You were gone so long, this time, and all we could talk about was how, if the worst happened-
AKILA
-we wouldn't even know. No one would tell us. To them, we're not your family.
ZAHAVA
I - that's true.
TERENCE
And that made us think about the family we want to be, with you.
AKILA
Like he said, don't - don't answer tonight -
TERENCE
-but if you want to stay, really stay, stay forever?
AKILA
We want to marry you, Zee.
TERENCE
More than anything.
There's a moment.
ZAHAVA
I definitely don't know what to say.
TERENCE
If it's too soon to ask - it's just - if we're going to go to bed together-
ZAHAVA
My answer to that has definitely not changed.
TERENCE
-we thought you should know the future we want.
AKILA
We're your family, Zee. Your mishpocha. Whatever you decide, that's true. But if you wanted to be family in the eyes of the law, too...
ZAHAVA
I'll still be going into the field, you know. Almost certainly.
TERENCE
We know. We'll be here. We'll always be here.
A pregnant pause.
TERENCE
You don't have-
ZAHAVA
(interrupting) - to answer right now. I know. Tee - come here -
He does.
ZAHAVA
I refuse to marry a man I've never kissed.
Relieved laughter.
TERENCE
I think we can do something about that?
Another kiss.
ZAHAVA
...on balance, I think you'll do.
AKILA
You mean...
ZAHAVA
I've loved you both for years, what the hell did you think I'd say?
TERENCE
Can you - for me - can you say it?
ZAHAVA
Terence. Akila. Yes. Yes, I'll marry you. I'll marry you as soon as we can figure out a properly Jewish wedding, which means inviting my family, which means you'll meet my Zayde which, well, hopefully you'll still want to marry me after...
They're all laughing.
AKILA
Could we possibly...
ZAHAVA
...yes?
TERENCE
Good word, let's keep saying it.
AKILA
But could we, perhaps -
ZAHAVA
You're enjoying this.
AKILA
-continue this conversation inside?
ZAHAVA
What, getting cold?
AKILA
No. I wouldn't say that.
They get up and head inside.
TERENCE
I'll put the leftovers away and be right there.
AKILA
Tee?
TERENCE
Yeah, love?
AKILA
Love you.
TERENCE
Always.
We hear him pick up dishes and the other two laugh together as they walk away down the hall. As they head into a bedroom, we hear Zahava, faintly.
ZAHAVA
So... is this, like, a double mitzvah?
More laughter and clinking dishes.
FADE TO BLACK.
EVAN
This Planet Needs a Name, a science fiction audio drama suitable for our times, was created by Evan Tess Murray, who also wrote and directed this episode. Original composition, sound design, and audio engineering are by Trace Callahan. In this prequel episode, Akila was played by Khalila Roney, Terence was played by Darin Earl, and Zahava, as always, was played by Caroline Mincks.
I’m going to save the full outro for our full episode, but as always I want to acknowledge that we’re on stolen land. This time, I want to mention the Wabanaki Confederacy, here in the Northeast, and strongly recommend that you watch their documentary, Dawnland. It’s a beautiful and heartbreaking portrayal of the removal of native children - and also offers a path toward reconciliation. If you can, please support Wabanaki REACH at mainewabanakireach.org - that’s w a b a n a k i, and there’s a link in the show notes. They’re doing the hard work of restorative justice. And to all of you who do that work: woliwoni. I appreciate everything you’ve taught me.
We here in the Nameless Crew are also grateful for everyone who has been patient with us, and hope you enjoyed this peek into Zahava’s life. I want to take a moment to reassure you all that despite the delays, our story is not over; the sixth and final episode of our first season is in production, and there will also be more glimpses into the early lives of the Nameless Crew.
For now, I want to leave you with an invitation to reach out to us - on twitter, through email, we’re needsanamepod everywhere - and let us know whose story you want to hear. Which of the Nameless Crew’s past should we step into next?
You’ll hear from us soon. Until then - keep on choosing hope.