Sowing the Seeds of Discontent - S5 - E7

During the last episode of VOID, conflict and tension rose between the crew members. Jonas and Ursula were left to deal with the fallout of their relationship. And the Mendelsons started to settle in and find out more about the crew and the ship.

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Transcript

VOID - SEASON 5, EPISODE 7

Written by

Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller

Sowing the Seeds of Discontent

VOID PODCAST LLC

voidthepodcast@gmail.com

NARRATOR

During the last episode of VOID, conflict and tension rose between the crew members. Jonas and Ursula were left to deal with the fallout of their relationship. And the Mendelsons started to settle in and find out more about the crew and the ship.

SOUND: CHIME OVER SPEAKER

INT. GILBAN'S QUARTERS - MORNING

REGINA REX

(over speaker)

Yo Gilban, are you up yet? I need you to check out the Mendelson’s ship.

SOUND: BEDSHEETS RUSTLING, STANDING UP, FUMBLING (*BAREFEET)

MADDOX KANE

(starts coughing immediately)

Oh...

REGINA REX

I know Serebella stopped by too, now get your ass to engineering and quit dicking around!

SOUND: CLICKING OFF, FOOTSTEPS, RUSTLING

MADDOX KANE

(lets out heavy sigh)

I will not be able to reactivate the element, at least not yet. I guess I’ll have to confront them.

SOUND: CLOTHING BEING GATHERED, TRANSITION, RUSTLING, GETTING OUT OF BED

URSULA NASH

(coming out of a hangover haze, getting out of bed, moving around frantically)

Oh no, oh no, I’m naked! What did we do?!

ANKO LUMEN

Oh wow, I’m naked too.

URSULA NASH

I don’t remember anything! Do you?

ANKO LUMEN

It’s hazy but sort of. I think we both got black-out drunk and then had sex.

URSULA NASH

How can I not remember any of that?

ANKO LUMEN

That’s why it’s called “black-out” drunk. I only remember it vaguely.

URSULA NASH

Gee thanks, that’s a comfort!

ANKO LUMEN

What are you so worried about? You and Jonas broke up.

URSULA NASH

Yes but we planned on getting back together... Maybe. I’m so confused!

ANKO LUMEN

He doesn’t have to know, we’ll keep it between us.

URSULA NASH

Do you promise?

ANKO LUMEN

I promise.

URSULA NASH

I know I don’t answer to him. But I still want things to work out with us. I just need some time.

ANKO LUMEN

Seems like you needed something more than time.

URSULA NASH

Don’t be an asshole.

ANKO LUMEN

No, I mean, maybe you and I needed to just blow off some steam and not worry our work for a change.

URSULA NASH

Yeah, I guess. This was a once and done thing Anko.

ANKO LUMEN

I’m ok with that.

URSULA NASH

And it stays between us.

ANKO LUMEN

Between us.

URSULA NASH

(uncomfortable, awkward, gathering clothes, getting dressed)

I should be going, I have some work to catch up on.

ANKO LUMEN

(joking)

Are you sure you don’t want to cuddle some more?

URSULA NASH

Very funny.

SOUND: TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS STOP

INT. CHING SHE CORRIDOR - MORNING

PAT MENDELSON

Hello Dr. Nash. What a pleasure it is to see you.

URSULA NASH

(surprised, embarrassed) Uh, yes. Good to see you Mrs. Mendelson. Shouldn’t you have an escort?

PAT MENDELSON

Please call me Pat. I took some initiative and figured I would meet Dr. Lumen at his cabin so here I am!

URSULA NASH

I see.

PAT MENDELSON

Look at that, your hair is a little tousled. Let me fix that for you.

URSULA NASH

That’s not really necessary...

SOUND: HAIR ADJUSTED

PAT MENDELSON

(cutting her off)

It’s just a little thing. There! All better.

URSULA NASH

Thanks.

PAT MENDELSON

My pleasure. Say, I’m just trying to get my bearings on the ship and correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t your cabin way down the corridor?

URSULA NASH

Yes it is, but that’s not really any of your concern.

PAT MENDELSON

(toying with her)

I don’t mean to pry! And I certainly don’t mean to offend you. As I said, I’m just trying to get my bearings on the ins-and-outsof the Ching She.

URSULA NASH

Then maybe you should refer to the ship’s navigation legend in your quarters. Good day.

SOUND: TRANSITION, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS

INT. CHING SHE MEAL HALL - MORNING

SEREBELLA REON

Here he is Captain Aldridge.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(sounding tired) Thanks Serebella.

TERRY MENDELSON

Good day Captain!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yeah, good day.

SEREBELLA REON

You look like shit.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Thanks. I’m not sleeping well.

SEREBELLA REON

You might want to try to get more sack time.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’ll keep that in mind.

SEREBELLA REON

I’m hitting the gym, I’ll see you later.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Mr. Mendelson...

TERRY MENDELSON

(interrupting) Terry.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Terry. Captain Rex wants me to get you familiar with cleaning the mess hall.

TERRY MENDELSON

Mess hall cleaning? You know, I tried to explain to Captain Rex that I’m a fair pilot and...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(cutting him off)

And for now she wants you to take on cleaning the mess hall as part of your duties. We all have to do it Terry, we take turns.

TERRY MENDELSON

I understand and will do my part. I just feel like I have more important things I can contribute.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m sure the captain will recognize that when she’s ready.

TERRY MENDELSON

This probationary period we’re on, do you know how long it lasts?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m not exactly sure.

TERRY MENDELSON

Maybe you can put in the good word for me and get her to relax a little?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That’s not how this works Terry. We go with Captain Rex’s rules when it comes to ship policy.

TERRY MENDELSON

You sure put a lot of trust in Captain Rex’s instincts. I guess she’s proven herself to be a good captain.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes she has. She’s seen us through some difficult situations.

TERRY MENDELSON

Seems almost too good to be true, your captain.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Our captain, and what does that mean?

TERRY MENDELSON

You make it sound like she never makes mistakes.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

She makes mistakes like anyone else.

TERRY MENDELSON

What kind of mistakes?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(getting defensive)

The kind she fixes later. Are you trying to get at something here?

TERRY MENDELSON

I’m just making sure me and Pat are in safe hands. Trust goes both ways Captain Aldridge. A good leader is the foundation of the ship’s crew and is paramount to their safety.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes, I agree but you should know you and Pat are in good hands.

TERRY MENDELSON

I certainly hope so! I am at your and Captain Rex’s disposal to contribute to our safety however I can.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Great. Let’s begin with waste disposal.

SOUND: TRANSITION, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS

INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - DAY

ANKO LUMEN

I went over their ship from bow to stern. The ship took some small arms damage.

REGINA REX

That checks with their moon miner encounter. Did you discover any weapons?

ANKO LUMEN

Aside from the one small sidearm we found, no. I verified that they were critically low on fuel.

REGINA REX

And the logs?

ANKO LUMEN

They didn’t keep any that I could dig up. But I did find an old manifest. It’s from a few years back; it was stamped by the station.

REGINA REX

I guess they’re legit after all.

ANKO LUMEN

Maybe not so much. The manifest doesn’t include their names as part of the crew. Just one person is listed, Captain Needlemeyer.

REGINA REX

When was the last entry?

ANKO LUMEN

Right when the ship left the station.

REGINA REX

This proves the ship isn’t theirs.

ANKO LUMEN

It looks that way.

REGINA REX

Keep it to yourself. I want to see if we can catch them in a lie.

SOUND: KEYPAD

REGINA REX (CONT'D)

Mr. and Mrs. Mendelson, please report to the bridge.

SOUND: TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS PACING

INT. URSULA NASH QUARTERS - DAY

URSULA NASH

Astrid, create text message for Max Huxley, New Hope station.

Encryption 3B.

ASTRID

Creating text message for Max Huxley, encryption 3B. Ready to begin transcription.

URSULA NASH

Astrid, start transcribing now.

ASTRID

Recording transcription in 3, 2, 1.

SOUND: CHIME

URSULA NASH

Max, I’m sorry it’s been so long between transmissions. But I found something disturbing about my parents. I need to know anything you can find out about their research in android development. I know my father was deeply involved in it before he passed and I think my mother was helping him. Can you please access any records pertaining to their work and send them to me? I know I’m asking for a lot here Max but I’m desperate to learn more about what they were doing. Please keep this between us. There may be a security risk so be careful. Astrid, end transcription, encrypt and send.

ASTRID

Encrypted message sent.

URSULA NASH

Astrid, how long will it take the message to reach the station?

SOUND: PROCESSING INFORMATION

ASTRID

From our current location the message will reach Max Huxley in approximately 79.3 minutes.

URSULA NASH

Astrid, send alert as soon as a response from Max Huxley is received.

ASTRID

Alert notifications for Max Huxley is now on.

URSULA NASH

Astrid, access all medical records for Gideon Judge.

SOUND: TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, MORE FOOTSTEPS

INT. CHING SHE CORRIDOR - DAY

PAT MENDELSON

Terr bear!

TERRY MENDELSON

Pookems!

SOUND: RUNNING, HUGGING, FOOTSTEPS STOP

PAT MENDELSON

I missed you!

TERRY MENDELSON

I missed you more!

PAT MENDELSON

I was just heading to the bridge.

TERRY MENDELSON

Us too, Captain Aldridge was kind enough to show me the way.

PAT MENDELSON

Hi Captain Aldridge!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Hi Mrs... Pat!

PAT MENDELSON JONAS ALDRIDGE

Pat. Where’s Anko?

PAT MENDELSON

I believe he’s already on the bridge so I decided to go there on my own.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

He shouldn’t have left you unescorted.

PAT MENDELSON

No worries about me Captain Aldridge, I’ve been learning my way around this whole big ship!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That’s not really what I...

PAT MENDELSON

I love exploring! I’ve hit some dead ends though, locked hatches.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes, those areas are restricted.

PAT MENDELSON

No problem understanding that! I’ll be sure to stick to where I’m allowed.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Great. We should probably keep going to the bridge.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RESUME, WALKING AND TALKING

PAT MENDELSON

How has your day been going honey?

TERRY MENDELSON

Wonderful my love. I’ve been learning all about the mess hall from Captain Aldridge. Yourself?

PAT MENDELSON

Swimmingly! Anko is wonderful to work with! He’s already talking about expanding my responsibilities into becoming his assistant!

TERRY MENDELSON

You don’t say.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(in unison with Terry) You don’t say.

TERRY MENDELSON

Jinx!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

A word of warning Pat, Anko can be a little difficult to work with.

PAT MENDELSON

We’ll have to agree to disagree on that! I find Anko to be a perfectly sweet person!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You do? Ok. Hey, if you find him tolerable than more power to you. You must have a lot of patience.

PAT MENDELSON

More like the understanding of the spirit Captain Aldridge.

I see.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

PAT MENDELSON

You’re the perfect example. I can tell you’re hurting, I don’t know why and I know it’s none of my business. I just wanted you to know that I can see it in your eyes.

TERRY MENDELSON

She’s a pro at that. The woman can look into the depths of your soul.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Very insightful but I’d rather not talk about it.

PAT MENDELSON

Of course not. Let’s change the subject to something more fun. Gossip!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Don’t you think that’s a little inappropriate since your guests?

PAT MENDELSON

(disappointed)

I’m sorry Captain Aldridge. I was just having fun with what Anko shared with me.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(now curious)

I guess if Anko shared it, it’s probably common knowledge anyway. What did he tell you?

PAT MENDELSON

(excited again)

He told me about the relationship between Captain Rex and Ms. Reon. New love is always so exciting!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(frustrated) It sure is.

TERRY MENDELSON

Pat and I love connecting with couples. I wonder if they’ll play cards with us?

PAT MENDELSON

Only one way to find out, let’s set up a couples card night! Tell me, do they get along well Captain Aldridge?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I guess so, I don’t know for sure...

PAT MENDELSON

Are they smitten?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Smitten? I would think they’re...

PAT MENDELSON

Oh and we’ll have to invite Ursula too!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Hey! I don’t really appreciate...

PAT MENDELSON

(acting like she’s not paying attention to Jonas)

Her and Anko. Right? Anko mentioned that they spent last night together.

What?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

PAT MENDELSON

Oh yes, he told me to keep it quiet but I thought it was so cute that he hadn’t been with anyone for so long than all of sudden!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Did Anko tell you they were a couple?

PAT MENDELSON

Oh no, no-one had to tell me that silly! A lady has an eye for these things. I saw her walking out of Anko’s cabin this morning. Putting her clothing back on, hair was a mess, startled. It was pretty obvious they’re hooking up. Didn’t you know?

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS STOP, HATCH

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(shaken up)

I’m going to leave you both here to meet with the captain. I have other things to attend to.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS

PAT MENDELSON

(under her breath to Terry)

I bet you do.

SOUND: TRANSITION, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS

INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - DAY

REGINA REX

Thank you for joining us Pat and Terry.

TERRY MENDELSON

Happy to Captain Rex. Pleasure to see you Dr. Lumen.

PAT MENDELSON

It’s lovely we can all spend time together.

REGINA REX

Yes it is. Anko has done a comprehensive examination of your ship. Anko?

ANKO LUMEN

The damage your ship sustained was very much surface level. It doesn’t appeared to have impacted your ship’s vital systems. Overall it’s more of an eyesore than anything else.

PAT MENDELSON

You don’t have to tell me! I’ve been wanted to paint it for how long now? Terry won’t let me, he thinks it makes us look tough to other ships!

TERRY MENDELSON

We totally do dear heart! If we look like we were in a bad-ass battle, no-one else will want to tangle with us. I’m keeping you safe!

PAT MENDELSON

Terry! Potty mouth! He gets so edgy when he acts like a rough neck.

ANKO LUMEN

Uh, to continue, the ship’s diagnostics turned up pretty clean with a few minor glitches; nothing to worry about. I wiped and rebooted the primary drives with some clean up utilities and got your nav systems back on track.

PAT MENDELSON

That’s so kind of you Gilban! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

ANKO LUMEN

As you mentioned there weren’t any logs.

REGINA REX

About that. There’s usually some sort of ship record showing ownership. Do you have anything proving that it’s your ship? The New Hope required records with any ship that was docked there.

PAT MENDELSON

You know, I think my uncle kept some records.

REGINA REX

Your uncle?

PAT MENDELSON

Yes, uncle James. James Needlemeyer, from my mom’s side. He left the ship to me when he passed.

REGINA REX

No transfer of ownership document?

PAT MENDELSON

You know it didn’t even occur to us, did it Terry?

TERRY MENDELSON

No it didn’t Pat. I think we were too darn excited about getting out into space!

REGINA REX

You probably should look into your record keeping habits more.

TERRY MENDELSON

Thanks for the advice captain, we will.

REGINA REX

I guess your story checks out. I wanted to discuss your status on the crew...

SOUND: ALERT SYSTEMS

ASTRID

Alert! Proximity warning. Ship has entered the radius of red nova V4332.

REGINA REX

You’ve got to be shitting me!

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, KEYPAD, ALERT STOPS, SWIPING ON SCREEN

REGINA REX (CONT'D)

No wonder!

ANKO LUMEN

What’s going on?

REGINA REX

Well, we’re here and V4332 is right here in our path which means we’re heading directly for it.

TERRY MENDELSON

What’s V4332?

REGINA REX

It’s what’s called a luminous red nova. It formed when Sagittarii and another star began to collide.

PAT MENDELSON

Luminous, sounds pretty!

REGINA REX

(agitated)

It’s a well known celestial body in this quadrant and one of the things you were supposed to be watching out for Mr. Mendelson. A red nova is not something we want to come into contact with and we managed to fly right into it’s radius.

SOUND: KEYPAD, CONTROLS, ENGINES GETTING LOUDER

TERRY MENDELSON

Sorry. I sure did drop the ball on this one.

PAT MENDELSON

(gritting her teeth under her breath, angry with him)

You sure did Terry.

REGINA REX

The only problem is I don’t know if we can make it.

ANKO LUMEN

Make it?

REGINA REX

Yeah, we flew pretty far into it before the alert caught the nova. See how fast the radiation indicator is rising?

ANKO LUMEN

Oh no.

REGINA REX

And now I have to get us out of here before we all die of radiation poisoning.

END OF EPISODE