VOID - SEASON 5, EPISODE 4
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
Rescue Fatigue and What's Next
VOID PODCAST LLC
voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
Previously on VOID: Regina, Gilban and Ursula had to regain control of the Ching She and plot a course to rescue the Titan crew. While on Titan, Anko, Jonas and Serebella discovered that time was running out with their oxygen supply.
SOUND: MUFFLED VOICES AND COMMOTION, HAZY FOOTSTEPS MOVING AROUND, VOICES, COMMOTION AND FOOTSTEPS SLOWLY BECOMING CLEARER, VARIOUS MOVEMENT, EQUIPMENT BEING USED, OXYGEN PUMPS RUNNING, AIR CIRCULATING
INT. HABITAT - TITAN - NIGHT
ANKO LUMEN
(stirring awake slowly) Wh? What’s going on?
URSULA NASH
(voice sounding cloudy at first then becoming clearer)
Just relax Anko, and stay down. You’re suffering from hypoxia.
ANKO LUMEN
Oh. But I am alive right? You’re not a hallucination?
URSULA NASH
No Anko, I’m very real.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, ACTIVITY CONTINUED
REGINA REX
Where do you want to put Serebella?
SEREBELLA REON
(in and out of consciousness)
Hey! Who are you people? Where’s my gunnnnnsggghhhhh....
URSULA NASH
Let’s put her over by Jonas, he’s out too.
REGINA REX
(settling in with the gurney)
I can’t believe their skin turned blue.
URSULA NASH
(administering treatment to Anko)
We got here just in time. If their skin turned red it would’ve been too late.
ANKO LUMEN
Hypoxia can damage the brain!
URSULA NASH
Well, yes but...
ANKO LUMEN
(cutting her off, panic rising, confused, agitated)
My brain! Is it damaged?! How will I know? Do you know??! DO YOU KNOW!?!
SOUND: SHOT BEING ADMINSTERED, BODY SETTLING DOWN
URSULA NASH
Panicking is no good for you Anko, sweet dreams.
REGINA REX
Is that true?
URSULA NASH
Yes, but judging from their current state, it was only starting to settle in on them. It’s much easier to reverse at this point. I’ll be conducting scans to investigate for further damage.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, KEYPAD
REGINA REX
(from terminal)
It looks like their oxygen was down to about 8 percent.
URSULA NASH
They really stretched it out to the limit. The human body can’t survive when it gets down to 6 percent.
REGINA REX
What’s next? I’d like to get back to the Ching She. I don’t want to leave Gilban by himself for much longer.
URSULA NASH
(moving around, doing various things)
I’ll administered treatments when we get back on board. After that they’ll need time to recuperate.
REGINA REX
That gives us plenty of time.
URSULA NASH
Time for what?
REGINA REX
To get the habitat packed up, we’re getting off this rock.
SOUND: TRANSITION, BODY STIRRING
INT. CHING SHE MEDICAL OFFICE - DAY
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(stirring awake) Where am I?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS WALKING OVER
URSULA NASH
About time you woke up.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hey! There you are! I missed you!
URSULA NASH
I missed you too.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re alright! Is everyone else...
URSULA NASH
(cutting him off)
Everyone is fine, you can relax.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What happened?
URSULA NASH
That’s a long story. The short version is Gideon highjacked the ship and left Titan. We got back just in time.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What? Gideon did what?
URSULA NASH
It doesn’t matter, he’s gone now.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Gone? You mean gone, gone?
URSULA NASH
I mean flushed out of the airlock.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh. Why?
URSULA NASH
He committed mutiny, almost killed Gilban and lied about being an android.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
He was an android? What the hell? I feel like I’m still hallucinating.
URSULA NASH
No, that’s all real I’m afraid. Regina decided on the spot to execute him. Unfortunately.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Unfortunately? Sounds like he was asking for it knowing Regina.
URSULA NASH
Oh he deserved that part. There was something else. Just before he died, his last words were that it was all my fault and that my parents did this to him.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Did what to him?
URSULA NASH
Turned him into an android.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What does that mean?
URSULA NASH
I have no idea. Thanks to Regina, I may never know.
PAUSE A BEAT
URSULA NASH (CONT'D)
I need to ask you something. Do you
trust her?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Regina? Completely. I have no reason not to, so far anyway. What makes you ask me that?
URSULA NASH
She did it so quickly. Almost like she didn’t want anyone to talk to him. Her contract is in question too.
How so?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
URSULA NASH
Gideon revealed that he was working for the 5. It turns out the 5 are the ones in charge of Regina’s contract behind some shadow organization.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Do you think she was covering something up?
URSULA NASH
She opened that airlock pretty quickly. Besides her, no-one was given time to talk to Gideon. There was no trial, just an execution.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Did you confront her?
URSULA NASH
I tried but we had to turn our focus to coming back to Titan and fixing the ship.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
The ship was damaged?
URSULA NASH
Gideon laid traps by sabotaging Astrid.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
This is crazy.
URSULA NASH
I’m just glad we’re back together.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Me too.
SOUND: EMBRACE
URSULA NASH
We’re in orbit now. Regina is going to call an all crew meeting at some point to go over what’s next.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I guess we still have work to finish on the surface.
URSULA NASH
Not any more, everything has been taken down and packed up already. We’re done on Titan.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh boy, Anko is going to be pissed about that.
URSULA NASH
Who cares? The 3 of you nearly died! I think he’ll get over it.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I wish Regina would’ve talked to us first, just out of respect to him.
URSULA NASH
(getting upset)
Respect! For Anko? After the way he’s disrespected both of us?
You’re not actually defending him are you?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m just trying to be a fair captain.
URSULA NASH
Maybe you need to reconsider just how much of an ass he’s been!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Seriously? Don’t you think you’re getting a little over-the-top with this?
URSULA NASH
So you’re defending Anko and now you’re telling me how I should feel?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, no! It’s not like that. I’m sorry, it just seems like you’re on edge.
URSULA NASH
(calming down)
I guess I am. This thing with my parents, and not having any answers. It’s frustrating.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking about how much this was impacting you.
URSULA NASH
Well, you did turn blue for awhile, so you needed to deal with that first.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I was blue?
SOUND: TRANSITION, KISSING, HUGGING
INT. SEREBELLA'S QUARTERS - DAY
REGINA REX
I was so worried we lost everyone. Especially you.
SEREBELLA REON
Yeah, me too.
REGINA REX
Are you sure you’re ok? You seem on edge.
SEREBELLA REON
(edgy but loving)
No, I’m ok, really. The whole thing was just, unnerving. I feel better now that we’re back on the ship. I need to relax and unpack everything, you know?
REGINA REX
I understand. I have some unpacking to do too.
SEREBELLA REON
It’s crazy what happened with Gideon.
SOUND: STANDING UP, PACING (*BARE FEET)
REGINA REX
(starting to lose her cool)
This whole time! Over 15 years, right under my nose! How he managed to hide everything from me, I’ll never know!
SEREBELLA REON
(feeling guilty)
Some people just have a knack for it I guess. It’s not your fault.
REGINA REX
Isn’t it? I’m beginning to question everything now! My confidence in making decisions, I don’t know anymore.
SEREBELLA REON
(calming down, supportive) Look, that’s why you have the rest of us, the crew. We’ll work through this together. Isn’t that the point of the meeting?
REGINA REX
(uncertain)
Yeah, I guess. You’re right.
PAUSE A BEAT
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
He pointed out how stupid I was. Do you think I’m stupid?
SEREBELLA REON
Of course not. Come here and lay down with me.
SOUND: PAUSE, THEN FOOTSTEPS, MOVING ONTO BED, SHEETS RUSTLING
Better?
SEREBELLA REON (CONT'D)
REGINA REX
Better. At least for now, the meeting is...
SEREBELLA REON
(cutting her off)
I know, just relax for this moment.
SOUND: TRANSITION, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, TALKING IN THE BACKGROUND, SETTLING DOWN, DRINKING
INT. CHING SHE CANTINA - AFTERNOON
REGINA REX
Hey everyone. So, we’re all here to discuss what happened on Titan, what happened here on the ship and what’s next. I believe everyone is privy to what Gideon did so let’s start there. Any thoughts?
ANKO LUMEN
He was a prick and deserved what ultimately happened.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t disagree but some discussion would’ve been nice. I would’ve had a number of questions for him, especially concerning him working for the 5.
REGINA REX
When it comes to mutiny on my ship, there will not be any trials. I am the only judge when it comes to the ship that way.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I understand, but this was a crew matter too and it was beyond just mutiny. Our well being was at stake.
REGINA REX
That was part of it for sure. Our safety.
URSULA NASH
He was locked in the airlock Regina. What else could he have done? He couldn’t have escaped from there. We had him right where we wanted him and you shot him into space before we had a chance to even talk about it!
REGINA REX
I explained my stance here and I do not need to keep defending myself!
URSULA NASH
You do when your decisions effect all of us like that!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Especially when your policies mean any one of us could face the same fate.
REGINA REX
Unless you’re planning a mutiny I guess you don’t have to worry about it then, do you?
ANKO LUMEN
I hate to say it but I agree with Jonas. I think we should discuss those things more as a crew. You seem to have acted a little hastily.
REGINA REX
(angry, defensive)
You too Anko? I feel like I’m getting it from all sides here! It’s my ship so the decision was mine to make and that’s final!
MOMENT OF SILENCE
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Ok, look. I’m sorry if I’m getting emotional. I’ll admit that my decision was a bit quick but I was wrestling with the fact that Gideon was my best friend. Or so I thought for many years. His betrayal hit me hard in a bunch of ways but him discarding me and our friendship was the worst. Part of me wanted to just get it over with quickly. That was the instinct I followed.
URSULA NASH
(taking a shot at Regina)
I thought as a captain you’re not supposed to let your emotions govern your actions.
REGINA REX
(firing back)
I guess we’re not all as perfectly in control of our emotions like others.
URSULA NASH
I guess not.
SEREBELLA REON
Hey, just a reminder that we were allfooled by Gideon. So none of us is perfect.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What about your contract?
REGINA REX
What about it?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You know the 5 is behind it now.
REGINA REX
And?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And how do you intend to address that?
REGINA REX
I don’t know yet. For now, I’m shelving it until I figure out what to do.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You mean, until we figure out what to do. Contracts fall under my jurisdiction too Captain Rex.
REGINA REX
(condescending)
Mmm hmm. I think our focus should be on what’s next. So, Captain Aldridge what do you have to say about that?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I guess we’d be heading to Europa. Anko, do you have anything to share about this?
MOMENT OF SILENCE
ANKO LUMEN
(reluctantly)
I’ve had time to ponder things a bit since our near-deaths on Titan. I have to admit that my equipment and theories failed to yield any solid results. As such, I’m forced to agree with you and support the idea of Europa. Perhaps my equipment and plans will play out more effectively there.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(shocked)
Ok. Wow. Uh, I guess that’s what’s next unless anyone has objections.
REGINA REX
That’s it then. I think everyone needs a day to rest so we’ll set out beginning tomorrow. Hey, where’s Gilban? He should’ve been here for this meeting!
SEREBELLA REON
Where do you think? He’s in his quarters back at it with his artifact. It’s all he does now.
SOUND: PEOPLE GETTING UP, MOVING AROUND
ANKO LUMEN
(walking up to Serebella) How long has that been going on?
What?
SEREBELLA REON
ANKO LUMEN
You and Regina.
SEREBELLA REON
What are you talking about?
ANKO LUMEN
For starters, you were holding hands when you walked in and then you spent a good portion of the meeting staring at each other.
SEREBELLA REON
Oh shit, I guess we’re not hiding it so well anymore.
ANKO LUMEN
I guess you’re not.
SEREBELLA REON
Do you think anyone else noticed?
ANKO LUMEN
I think everyoneelse noticed.
SEREBELLA REON
Damn. We wanted to find the right time to tell everyone.
ANKO LUMEN
It looks like you just did.
SEREBELLA REON
I guess so. It’s been gone on for awhile now. I think it started after the 3rd poker game.
ANKO LUMEN
Way back then! Wow, Gideon wasn’t the only one hiding things.
SEREBELLA REON
Yeah, sorry.
ANKO LUMEN
No need to apologize, it’s none of anyone’s business, is it? Just tell me this, are you happy?
SEREBELLA REON
Yes. It’s been pretty great.
ANKO LUMEN
That’s all I care about.
SEREBELLA REON
Thanks Anko.
ANKO LUMEN
To tell you the truth, I’m just glad we’re all back on ship and can get back to some normal, boring space flight for awhile.
SOUND: TRANSITION, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE ENGINEERING - EVENING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, KEYPAD, CONTAINER OPENING, HUM FROM THE ARTIFACT, HUM GETTING LOUDER, KEYPAD, EQUIPMENT STARTING UP
GILBAN TRICKEY
Astrid, initiate merge engine.
ASTRID
Preparing merge engine. I am compelled by my safety protocols to inform you that merging your consciousness with an unknown element is inadvisable.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Yes, thank you Astrid. Proceed with merge engine initiation.
ASTRID
Initiating merge engine.
SOUND: PUTTING ON HELMET, MACHINE POWER INCREASING
GILBAN TRICKEY
(pain/pleasure) Unhhh!!! That’s it!
SOUND: MERGE PROCESSING
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Wait! What’s happening??
SOUND: MERGE CONTINUES, HUM RISES LOUDER, MERGE COMPLETES, HUM DIMINSHES
MADDOX KANE
Oh no!! Where am I?!
SOUND: TRANSITION, KEYPAD, GENERAL MACHINE PROCESSING, ALERT CHIME
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
ASTRID
Warning, foreign ship detected.
REGINA REX
What the hell?
SOUND: KEYPAD
ASTRID
Foreign ship hailing.
REGINA REX
Astrid, open communication channels.
ASTRID
Connecting to foreign ship.
SOUND: STATIC, CONNECTION SOUND
PAT MENDELSON
(over speaker)
Is this thing on? Hey, is anyone in that big ‘ol ship right there listening to me? If you are, then I’m Pat Mendelson and we sure could use your help. So whatcha say? Can you find it in that sweet heart of yours to give us a ping back, won’t you? Anyone there?
END OF EPISODE
