Episode 12: Naming

NARRATION
Previously, on Timestorm: 

ATABEY:
First thunderstorm of the season is approaching the Ventura twins. There’s electricity in the air in Newark.

Distant thunder.

SONIA
Hm. Looks like it might rain. What do you think? First spring thunderstorm?

ALEXA / BENI
Thunderstorm?

Electricity transition.

REANNAE
I believe the owner of Taíno Comics and Games is gonna say a few words? Josie? Josie?

DATU
Josie’s in a meeting.

REANNAE:
She’s so busy. I swear she needs to clone herself so she can be in two places at once.

Electricity transition.

DATU:
On behalf of Josie and the store, I want to welcome everyone to the new patio.

Electricity transition.

BENI
Barometer's starting to glow. 

ALEXA
The portal's open—

Distant thunder.

MUSIC: THEME SONG - "IN THE TIMESTORM"

Witness. Find. Remember.
The hidden past seeks its dawn,
showing us that we all belong.
Horacio, Alexa, and Beni take back time,
find history in the timestorm.
Witness. Find. Remember.

THE TIMESTORM. ANOTHER DIMENSION.

MUSIC: "TIMESTORM” TRANSITION

The twins laugh as they land in the timestorm.

HORACIO
Ay, I’ve missed those laughs.

BENI
I’ve missed the timestorm!

ALEXA
Feels like forever since we’ve been here.

Zap into a buzz.

ATABEY
Hello, humans.

ALEXA | BENI
Hey, Atabey. | Hi, Atabey.

HORACIO
What’s new? Big changes in the comic book store these past few months, huh?

ALEXA
Yeah. Josie’s there all the time now. 

ATABEY
Josie Nevarez.

BENI
She’s the owner. 

ALEXA
She just showed up one day in October and had that new office built. 

BENI
And now, there’s a patio in the back.

HORACIO
Sí, lo vi. Atabey showed me a peek. 

ALEXA
You see a lot of what we do.

BENI
Yeah. I thought you were only supposed to check in when we were on quests.

HORACIO
That, and moments in your present time that Atabey thinks I should see.

ATABEY
And then there’s the naming effect.

ALEXA
What’s that?

ATABEY
If you say the Lieutenant’s name, the windshield fires up.

A flash.

BENI
Wait a minute. When we say your name, you’re probably watching that moment? 

HORACIO
It’s more of a replay.

BENI
Huh. Good to know.

ATABEY
Has there been enough chitchat? Can we move on to the quest?

BENI
I hope I remember how to do this.

ALEXA
Right? I’ve got butterflies.

ATABEY
You'll have the same tools. The barometer, and clothing that instills in you knowledge of the time and place you're traveling to. 

HORACIO
And different languages, too. 

BENI
Uh-huh. The whole "we hear Spanish as Spanglish" rule.

HORACIO
There’s no Spanish where you’re headed. 

BENI
We’re not going to Puerto Rico?

ATABEY
Not the Caribbean. A completely different continent.

HORACIO
Africa.

BENI | ALEXA
A whole other continent? | Really?

HORACIO
Let’s get you dressed. Clothing!

Whir of a clothing change.

BENI
Whoa. This is a long robe.

ATABEY
A boubou.

ALEXA
Mine's so colorful. What’s the basket for?

HORACIO
You’ll know what to do with it when the time comes. Now, even with these clothes, people might wonder... Well, you see, based on the color of your skin—

ATABEY
They’ll assume you’re of mixed race.

BENI
We are.

HORACIO
Sí, pero, you can’t exactly tell them you’re from Puerto Rico. That would raise too many questions. You’ll say you live with your mother, and that she’s Wolof. 

BENI
Wolof?

HORACIO
It’s a West African ethnicity.

ALEXA
We’re going to West Africa? Which part?

HORACIO
Ndar. Today it’s known as Saint-Louis—

ATABEY
Senegal. 

ALEXA
Saint-Louis?

HORACIO
If anyone asks, say your father’s French.

BENI
But I thought we’re going to West Africa?

ALEXA
I’m gonna guess that this involves colonialism.

HORACIO
That’s right. Depending on the year, the French, Portuguese, Dutch, and British laid claim to parts of this land.

Zap into barometer buzz.

ATABEY
Mil ochocientos y diez/ eighteen ten / Senegal / Wolof / French colony / drum / sabar / Idrissa / uncle / naming ceremony. Your quest: Accept the beat of three motherlands. Quest begins now.

A dramatic thunderclap. ALEXA and BENI shout and they travel through the portal.

1810. OUTSIDE OF A VILLAGE NEAR NDAR/SAINT LOUIS, SENEGAL. 

The twins laugh as they land near a tree in the rain.

BENI
Quick! Under that tree!

ALEXA and BENI rush under a tree.

BENI
We can stay here until the rain slows down. Should make a good shelter.

IDRISSA
There’s plenty of room.

ALEXA/BENI
Aah!

ALEXA | BENI
Hi. | Hello.

IDRISSA
My name is Idrissa.

BENI
Benjamin.

ALEXA
Alexandra.

IDRISSA
Welcome to my baobab tree. 

BENI
Your tree?

IDRISSA
My family’s tree. I come from a long line of griots. My grandfather is buried in the shade of this tree.

ALEXA
Oh. Wow. This is, like, sacred.

BENI
Should we...

IDRISSA
It’s okay to stay here to wait out the storm.

ALEXA / BENI
Thanks.

ALEXA and BENI sit under the tree.

BENI
(Awkward) Our mother’s Wolof.

ALEXA
Yep. Our father’s French.

IDRISSA
What brings you out here?

ALEXA
Oh. Well, we kinda have a habit of wandering.

IDRISSA
I’m the wanderer in my family. Though my parents made me wait until I was fifteen before I could leave the village alone. I’m nineteen now. And you?

BENI
Twelve. Both of us.

IDRISSA
Ah. Twins.

ALEXA
I’m older.

BENI
By six minutes.

IDRISSA
My sister used to remind me she’s two years older.

ALEXA
Older sister?

IDRISSA
Aminata. A new mother.

BENI
You’re an uncle?

IDRISSA
That’s right. I’m here because of my nephew. My father is the griot and will announce his name for the village to hear. And then we’ll have a celebration with rhythm and dancing. I came in search of a piece of fallen wood that will make a good drumstick. 

BENI
So...there’ll be drums?

IDRISSA
Indeed. Please, come as my guests.

BENI
We’d love to go.

ALEXA
Thanks for inviting us.

IDRISSA
Now, while we wait out the rain, which of these fallen sticks do you like best? This thin one is standard for a sabar drumstick. 

IDRISSA taps the tree with a thin drumstick.

IDRISSA
But I love how you can see different shades in this sturdier stick. 

IDRISSA taps the tree with a thick drumstick.

ALEXA | BENI
Thin one. | Sturdy one.

IDRISSA
(Laughs) I’ll bring them both.

1810. A VILLAGE NEAR NDAR/SAINT LOUIS, SENEGAL. 

MUSIC: TRANSITION RHYTHM.

IDRISSA and the twins approach the center of the village.

IDRISSA
See, mother? I’m back in time for the celebration. Just as I promised. How are Aminata and the baby?

FATOU
Just fine. She shared the baby’s name with me and your father this morning. 

IDRISSA
And?

FATOU
And you’ll learn it during the ceremony. And what have we here? I see you’ve found something unexpected on your journey.

IDRISSA
Yes. Two drumsticks. I couldn’t decide—

FATOU
I’m talking about the children.

IDRISSA
Oh, of course. These are my friends, Benjamin and Alexandra. This is my mother, Fatou.

ALEXA | BENI
Hi. | Hello.

FATOU
Welcome.

ALEXA
We’re looking forward to the naming ceremony.

BENI
Yeah.

FATOU
You’ve brought an offering.

ALEXA
Offering?

BENI
(Whispering) The basket.

ALEXA
Yes! The basket. It’s a gift.

FATOU
How kind of you. We should be starting shortly. See you all at the ceremony.

FATOU walks away. MALIK approaches IDRISSA and the twins.

MALIK
Greetings, brother-in-law.

IDRISSA
Greetings, Malik. I know ate the lakh in a rush this morning. But it was for a good reason: I found this drumstick for the celebration.

MALIK
Thank you.

BENI
(Whispers) Thin drumstick. He took my advice.

ALEXA
It’s not a competition.

IDRISSA
These are my friends, Benjamin and Alexandra. They’ll be joining us for the celebration.

ALEXA | BENI
Hi. | Hello.

MALIK
Glad to have you join us.

ALEXA
This basket is from both of us. A gift for your new family.

MALIK
That’s very kind. Thank you.

IDRISSA
The men and boys are setting up the drums for the celebration as we speak. Benjamin, can you help? Alexandra, you can join the women gathering by the stove.

ALEXA | BENI
Sure! | Great!

1810. A VILLAGE NEAR NDAR/SAINT LOUIS, SENEGAL. 

MUSIC: TRANSITION RHYTHM.

MALIK
Mother-in-law? Are Aminata and the baby ready?

FATOU
They are. And your son’s head has been shaved for the ceremony. The day that your first-born is named is quite special. And I want to make sure nothing spoils it.

MALIK
The rain has passed. We’re in the clear.

FATOU
Not the rain. These children of mixed blood that Idrissa brought into our village. They just happen to arrive with a gift offering?

MALIK
What are you saying, mother-in-law?

FATOU
We’ve heard the stories of outsiders from other lands who have deceived our people, stripping away what is rightfully ours. Our land, customs, language, our kin.

MALIK
But they are children. What? Do you think they’re thieves?

FATOU
I have this feeling they aren’t telling us the truth about who they claim to be. 

MALIK
I have no reason to doubt them. I’d like to get the ceremony started if I have your blessing, mother-in-law?

FATOU
Of course, you do. Let’s celebrate my sweet grandchild.

1810. A VILLAGE NEAR NDAR/SAINT LOUIS, SENEGAL. 

MUSIC: TRANSITION RHYTHM.

The village men finish a prayer over the baby.

VILLAGE MEN
Am-i-i-i-in.

ALEXA
(Whispering)
I think they’re done with the prayer.

BENI
(Whispering) Malik and Aminata are whispering into the baby’s ear.

ALEXA
(Whispering)
Aw. He’s adorable.

BENI
(Whispering)
That’s Idrissa’s father taking the baby.

MALIK and AMINATA hand the baby to the GRIOT. 

ALEXA
(Whispering) The village griot.

BENI
(Whispering) He’s gonna say his name.

GRIOT
Youssou.

VILLAGERS
Youssou.

GRIOT
Youssou.

VILLAGERS
Youssou.

GRIOT
Youssou.

VILLAGERS
Youssou.

MUSIC: TRANSITION RHYTHM.

VILLAGERS shout in celebration.

BENI
Wow! Idrissa’s such a good drummer! 

ALEXA
Yeah!

BENI
How about his father next to him?

ALEXA
Amazing! And the women dancing? I’ve never seen anything like it.  

BENI
Imagine all of our neighbors celebrating like this for us.

ALEXA
It’s a pretty epic way to be named.

The rhythm and celebration continue.

1810. A VILLAGE NEAR NDAR/SAINT LOUIS, SENEGAL. 

VILLAGERS are seated on the ground, enjoying a meal. 

MUSIC: TRANSITION RHYTHM.

IDRISSA
No celebration is complete without a meal. 

ALEXA
It all smells delicious, Idrissa.

FATOU
Here you go.

ALEXA / BENI
Thanks!

BENI
Mmm - this fish.

ALEXA
So good.

FATOU
Did you enjoy the ceremony?

BENI
Definitely.

ALEXA
Mm-hm. So beautiful. The dancing. The drumming. 

BENI
Sure were a lot of drums.

FATOU
Are you a musician, Benjamin?

BENI 
No. I just think drums are fascinating.

FATOU
Please, stay in our village for the night.

BENI/ALEXA
Thank you.

IDRISSA
What a great idea, mother. 

FATOU
I’ll find a place for you to sleep.

1810. A VILLAGE NEAR NDAR/SAINT LOUIS, SENEGAL. 

MUSIC: TRANSITION RHYTHM.

FATOU rushes by MALIK.

MALIK
Where are you running to, mother-in-law?

FATOU
The children visitors are staying in the village tonight. I must find a place for them to sleep. 

MALIK
You no longer think they are thieves, then?

FATOU
I still believe they are here for some reason they are not revealing. 

MALIK
Oh, come now.

FATOU
I think they might be spies.

MALIK
Spies?

FATOU
Sent by the French. What better cover? They eat our food. See our traditions. Hear our rhythms and—

MALIK
I don’t think they’re spies. Please, mother-in-law, let them be. 

The baby coos.

MALIK
Here comes Aminata with the baby. (to AMINATA) How’s our little, Youssou?

AMINATA
He’s been showered with love. A perfect day. Gratitude to you, mother.

The baby coos.

FATOU
Good night, little one.

The baby coos.

1810. A HUT IN THE VILLAGE. NEAR NDAR/SAINT LOUIS, SENEGAL.

MUSIC: TRANSITION RHYTHM.

FATOU
And here are the mats for sleeping.

ALEXA
It’s so nice of you to prepare this hut for us.

FATOU
It’s been a long day. Rest.

BENI
Thanks!

FATOU exits the hut. ALEXA paces.

ALEXA
This is gonna be way harder than any of our other quests so far.

BENI
Don’t forget. I’ve got experience with instruments that are also artifacts.

ALEXA
Oh, come on. The broken violin bow that was never going to be used again? 

BENI
Well, yeah. There was that.

ALEXA
This isn’t gonna be that easy.

BENI
(Mumbles) I wouldn’t say getting the bow was easy.

ALEXA
Beni.

A large cart rolls outside.

BENI
What was that?

ALEXA
Would you focus for once?

BENI
I am focused! We’re in a village with a lot of drums. And I’m focused on how we’re gonna get one of them so we can go back into the timestorm with the beat of three motherlands, okay?

ALEXA
We can’t take a drum. 

BENI
That’s literally our quest.

ALEXA
This quest is different. We’re supposed to accept the beat of three motherlands. Atabey didn’t say retrieve like for the other quests we’ve been on.

BENI
Are you seriously talking about vocabulary right now?

ALEXA
We can’t just take someone's drum that they use for important occasions. I think they have to offer us a gift.

BENI
We have to make them give us a drum as a gift? We can’t control that.

ALEXA
I know. I know. But we just...we have to be careful with this quest. 

BENI
We always have to be careful.

ALEXA
Fatou was staring at us all through the drumming and the meal. She’s suspicious. 

BENI
Suspicious of what?

ALEXA
Oh, I don’t know. Maybe she thinks we’re here to take something from the villagers. 

BENI
Oh. Like a drum.

ALEXA
Now you see why it has to be a gift?

BENI
Well, that’s not going to happen with us staying inside here. Why don’t we track down Idrissa and—

BENI walks to the doorway and sees a large cart in the way.

BENI
Hey! What’s with the huge cart blocking the entrance?

ALEXA
What? Oh no. Um, maybe Fatou’s still nearby? (Calls out the window) Fatou?

BENI
(Calls out the window) Fatou!

The twins steps back.

ALEXA
She’s not there. No one is, Beni.

BENI
How will we get the artifact stuck inside here? 

ALEXA
We’ve got to get out of here.

BENI
But how?

MUSIC: RHYTHM INTO "IN THE TIMESTORM" (INSTRUMENTAL).

NARRATION
This episode was written by me, Dania Ramos, with audio engineering, sound design, and original music by Michael Aquino.

The role of Alexa Ventura was played by Leilany Figueroa. Beni Ventura was played by Claudio Venancio. Horacio Méndez was played by Orlando Segarra. Atabey was played by Alicia Rivas. Idrissa was played by Darin F. Earl II. Fatou was played by Rachel Faison. Malik was played by Gary Kayi-Fletcher. Aminata was played by Daria M. Sullivan. This episode also featured the voices of Moutrarou Diallo, Amanda Faison, and Jane Mandel. Featured musicians were Lara Gonzalez and Christopher White.

Special thanks to culture and language consultants: Moutrarou Diallo, Aida Guisse and Arame Niang.

Timestorm is produced by Cocotazo Media and is a proud member of TRAX from PRX. To learn more about TRAX, visit TRAX dot fm: that’s t-r-a-x-dot fm.

It’s time for our Listener Share-out! 

BLYTHE
My name is Blythe. I’m ten-years-old, and I’m from West Bloomfield, Michigan. For my time-travel share-out, I’d like to go back millions of years to the Mesozoic Era to see dinosaurs and how they died. If I were to go to see the dinosaurs, I’d see how they sounded and what they looked like, and see if we’re just making up how they looked because — technically, so far, we could be just completely wrong. And the fossils that we have could not even be from dinosaurs. Thanks for listening. Bye!

NARRATION
Aha! You’d finally be able to tell the world the truth about dinosaurs! Thank you for sharing, Blythe. You can hear Blythe featured on Unspookable, a podcast about histories and mysteries behind your favorite scary stories and urban legends.

Hey, listeners! We want to feature your voice in an upcoming episode. You can learn more about how to submit a share-out by visiting Timestorm Series dot com.

If you enjoy the show, ask your parents to subscribe to Timestorm on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or the Kids Listen App. 

A quick message for our adult listeners, please be sure to check out our free resources, including episode guides and transcripts over at Timestorm Series dot com. And if you're interested in more bonus and behind-the-scenes content, we hope you’ll consider joining our Patreon community over at Patreon dot com slash Timestorm. You can also show your support for the series by sharing it with a friend or leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Podchaser. 

Timestorm is produced in Essex County, New Jersey, which is situated on the traditional territory of the Leni Lenape people.

As always, thanks for listening.

ATABEY
Witness. Find. Remember.