This Planet Needs a Name

On Earth: Zahava

Evan Tess Murray & Trace Callahan Season 1

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: 

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. 



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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.