VOID - SEASON 5, EPISODE 9
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
Growing Pains
VOID PODCAST LLC
voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
On the last episode of VOID, the crew found themselves in a perilous position close to a red nova.
Tension rose between Jonas and Ursula as they struggled through the aftermath of their relationship. Regina learned more of the backstory of the Mendelsons. And Serebella discovered an unexpected passenger aboard the ship.
SOUND: GUN BEING CHARGED
INT. CHING SHE CORRIDOR - NIGHT
SEREBELLA REON
I asked you a question, how did you get here?
MADDOX KANE
And I told you that’s a long story. Let me speak to your commanding officer and I’ll explain everything.
SEREBELLA REON
I don’t know a damn thing about you other than you’re Maddox Kane, whoever that is. And until I can figure out what kind of threat you are, you’ll be going to the confinement deck.
MADDOX KANE
Threat? I’m not the one with the gun.
SEREBELLA REON
No you’re not. Now move.
SOUND: TRANSITION
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
REGINA REX
I wanted everyone to know that I’m prepared to welcome Pat and Terry to the crew. Before I make it official with them, I wanted to talk to all to you.
URSULA NASH
Are you sure that’s a good idea?
REGINA REX
My gut says yes. I was apprehensive at first but I think we should give them a second chance.
ANKO LUMEN
I couldn’t be more happy about your decision. Pat has been excellent to work with. I’d like to request formally that she become my assistant immediately.
REGINA REX
Ok, calm down Anko, I’ll take it into consideration.
URSULA NASH
He seems incompetent and I definitely don’t trust her.
REGINA REX
I agree on the incompetence end of things. She told me he wasn’t necessarily the brightest person but he’s good with his hands. I’m going to assign him to work with Gilban.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Won’t he be in some pretty sensitive areas of the ship working in engineering?
REGINA REX
Which is why we’ll keep an eye on him at all times for now and keep him away from the more dangerous parts of the ship. I’ll need you to resume your duties on the bridge.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes captain. I’m curious, what swayed your opinion about them?
REGINA REX
Pat told me about their time adrift in space and it put them more in perspective.
URSULA NASH
Perspective makes a big difference, doesn’t it Captain Aldridge?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(cold)
Certainly. It’s telling how quickly people can change their minds on things once more information is actually shared.
REGINA REX
(ignoring them)
Jonas get Terry set up on a schedule. He’s only in engineering when Gilban’s in engineering. Anko, you’ll continue to work with Pat until we figure out where else they fit.
URSULA NASH
I still think this is a mistake. We should keep them restricted longer.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Your opinion has been duly noted Dr. Nash.
REGINA REX
And so has yours Captain Aldridge. Crew issues fall under my command, know your role.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What about their quarters? Do we move them to the crew deck with us?
REGINA REX
(laughing at end)
Let’s give that a little extra time until everyone is more settled in. Besides, we don’t want them to get weirded out by any strange sex noises coming out of anyone’s cabin!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(abruptly)
If we’re done here I’m going to excuse myself and get some rest.
AWKWARD SILENCE
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
REGINA REX
Was it the sex noise comment?
SOUND: TRANSITION
INT. CHING SHE GUEST QUARTERS - DAY
TERRY MENDELSON
What do you think they’ll do?
PAT MENDELSON
I think Regina is finally warming up to me. It looks like we can stay but they’ll be moving you to engineering.
TERRY MENDELSON
Great! That Gilban guy will be much easier for me to work on.
PAT MENDELSON
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. She said she wanted to clear it with the crew first. Anko loves me, I’m not worried about him.
TERRY MENDELSON
Oh shit. I’m not so sure they all
like us.
PAT MENDELSON
You think? The doctor has it out for me and I can’t read that security woman either, what’s her name?
TERRY MENDELSON
Sara something.
PAT MENDELSON
Serebella, her, I can’t figure out where she stands on either of us.
TERRY MENDELSON
What about Aldridge?
PAT MENDELSON
I think he’s too wrapped up in his breakup with the doctor to pay attention.
TERRY MENDELSON
That could work to our advantage.
PAT MENDELSON
Possibly. I feel like I’m in with Anko but we really have to keep our eye on all of them. We can’t make any serious moves for awhile.
TERRY MENDELSON
So what do we do?
PAT MENDELSON
We lay low, do our jobs, earn their trust completely and learn as much as we can.
TERRY MENDELSON
If I’m on the engineering deck, I should be able to access some juicy parts of the ship!
PAT MENDELSON
Not now Terry! Just do your job and whatever Gilban tells you, ok? You did great planting that manifest for him to find but you blew it with Regina because you weren’t paying attention.
TERRY MENDELSON
Ok, ok! Whatever you say, you’re the boss.
SOUND: TRANSITION, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE MEAL HALL - AFTERNOON
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(walking in and seeing Anko)
Oh, shit, I’ll just...
ANKO LUMEN
Don’t be such a baby. I’ll be out of here in a second.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(awkward)
I was just grabbing an energy drink.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, CABINET
ANKO LUMEN
It’s fine.
SOUND: AWKWARD PAUSE, FOOTSTEPS, CABINET
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Are we really going to do this?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Do what?
ANKO LUMEN
This, weirdness. Our relationship already stinks. You don’t own her you know and I don’t owe you anything.
I know!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
ANKO LUMEN
Then what’s your problem?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How about that 5 minutes after we break up, she ends up in the sack with you!
ANKO LUMEN
And what does that tell you?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That you’ll jump on anyone as soon as there’s a chance!
ANKO LUMEN
It’s all about your feelings isn’t it? Did you ever take into account she may have just needed someone to talk to?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s your version of consoling someone?
ANKO LUMEN
No you moron. We got really drunk, commiserated, and connected because we’re both hurting.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What are youhurting about?
ANKO LUMEN
That’s not your concern.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It is for the sake of your point. I’ve never seen you give a damn about anything but your work.
SOUND: LONG PAUSE
ANKO LUMEN
Fine. It happens to be about our work. My work. And how it failed. How, I failed. The thought of going back to the station empty handed is humiliating to say the least. Not to mention the grants I’d probably lose.
Oh.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
ANKO LUMEN
And then there’s you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Me?
ANKO LUMEN
Yes, you present a way to redeem myself with Europa, offering me all the credit too. But we’ll both know the truth. Just another thing for you to lord over me.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m not interested in lording anything over you Anko. I’m sorry if I made you feel that way.
ANKO LUMEN
You might want to take a step back, get your head out of your ass and understand it’s not all about you. Everyone has things they’re dealing with.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
(as he is walking away)
I heard there was some tension between you and some of the other crew members.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yeah, I guess there is.
ANKO LUMEN
I know what that’s like.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I bet you do.
ANKO LUMEN
To be at odds with people you have to work with.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Is that why you’re smiling?
ANKO LUMEN
I’m smiling for a number of reasons. But yes, it’s nice that I’m not the asshole anymore.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, AWKWARD SILENCE, CAN CRACKING OPEN AND DRINK BEING POURED, TRANSITION, GLASSES CLINKING
INT. CHING SHE CANTINA - AFTERNOON
REGINA REX
With this toast, I formerly welcome you to the crew of the Ching She Pat and Terry!
PAT MENDELSON
(taking a drink) Thank you Captain Rex!
TERRY MENDELSON
(taking a drink) I second that!
ANKO LUMEN
Here here! Welcome!
PAT MENDELSON
I wish the rest of the crew could’ve joined us.
REGINA REX
We’ll do something with everyone a little later. People are busy with their duties.
PAT MENDELSON
I guess they don’t all like us yet.
REGINA REX
They’ll come around. We’ve all been through a lot so trust is a little harder to come by right now.
TERRY MENDELSON
I can relate to that. We’ve run into untrustworthy types ourselves during our travels.
REGINA REX
Once they spend more time with you, it will get easier.
TERRY MENDELSON
I hear I’ll be working with Gilban.
REGINA REX
That’s right. He’s got a shift in about 12 hours.
TERRY MENDELSON
Then I’ll take it easy on the libations.
REGINA REX
You might want to swing by his cabin and say hi. He knows you’ll be assisting him.
TERRY MENDELSON
I’ll do that.
REGINA REX
Pat, I discussed it with Captain Aldridge and it looks like you’ll be working with Anko as his assistant from here on.
ANKO LUMEN
I’m happy it’s official.
PAT MENDELSON
It will be my genuine pleasure.
REGINA REX
Really?
PAT MENDELSON
Why does everyone keep saying that? Anko is a lovely man!
ANKO LUMEN
See?
Ok, cool.
REGINA REX
PAT MENDELSON
Although, I would love to assist in any other way I can!
REGINA REX
Is there any particular area you were interested in?
PAT MENDELSON
I’d love to help in medical with Ursula.
REGINA REX
Well, she does have to do a complete inventory to check to see if any of our medical supplies were compromised by Gideon.
TERRY MENDELSON
Compromised?
REGINA REX
Yeah, I’ll fill you in later, there’s a lot to discuss. That’s it then! You can work with Ursula.
I’ll let her know and then you two can meet up when you’re ready.
PAT MENDELSON
Thanks for the opportunity Captain Rex!
REGINA REX
(taking another drink)
Glad to have you on board! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off for a much-needed date.
ANKO LUMEN
(excited)
I’m afraid I have some things to attend to as well. I need to come up with a full schedule break down for you Pat! I’ll coordinate with Dr. Nash so we don’t crossover.
PAT MENDELSON
I can hardly wait Dr. Lumen!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
TERRY MENDELSON
Are you crazy? Why would you want to work with someone that hates you?
PAT MENDELSON
Because I need to win her over!
TERRY MENDELSON
But she’s going to be watching you every second!
PAT MENDELSON
Precisely. Through her scrutiny, I gain her trust. It’s the same break we get with you working with Gilban.
TERRY MENDELSON
It’s risky.
PAT MENDELSON
It is. But it’s the ones that don’t trust us that are the problem. Once we win them over...
TERRY MENDELSON
Everyone relaxes.
PAT MENDELSON
Yep.
TERRY MENDELSON
I can drink to that.
SOUND: GLASSES CLINKING, TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE CORRIDOR - NIGHT
REGINA REX
(a little drunk)
Hey, there you are baby. Let’s head back to my cabin...
SEREBELLA REON
(cutting her off)
Not now. You need to come with me to confinement.
REGINA REX
Kinky! I’m down, let’s do it.
SEREBELLA REON
No, we have a prisoner.
REGINA REX
What are you talking about?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS STOP, TRANSITION, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, LASER GRID
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Hello Maddox Kane. I’m Captain Rex the commanding officer of the Ching She.
MADDOX KANE
Hello captain.
REGINA REX
I’m told you’ve been withholding information until you speak to me. Here I am so spit it out quickly.
MADDOX KANE
I’m from a space colony orbiting Proxima Centauri b called Nepenthe.
REGINA REX
Proxima Centauri is almost 4 light years away. How did you get here?
MADDOX KANE
The crystal, it’s a portal.
REGINA REX
Crystal?
SEREBELLA REON
I think she’s talking about Gilban’s artifact. He’s gone by the way.
REGINA REX
Gilban’s gone?
SEREBELLA REON
I checked everywhere just before I ran into you.
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX
Gilban Trickey report to confinement immediately.
MADDOX KANE
I’m afraid she’s right. Your friend and I swapped places.
REGINA REX
How is that possible?
MADDOX KANE
My team and I were on the verge of figuring that out when our pathways connected. The crystals connect to other crystals.
REGINA REX
Why are you wearing his clothing?
MADDOX KANE
Only organic matter is transferred. He ended up just as naked and confused as I was I’m sure.
REGINA REX
You mean to say right now that Gilban is 4 light years away at your colony.
MADDOX KANE
Yes.
REGINA REX
Do you believe this?
SEREBELLA REON
I don’t know how else to explain it. There’s no ship, no evidence of any outer hatches opening. The AI would’ve detected otherwise.
REGINA REX
How do we undo this? Get you back to where you belong and get him back here?
MADDOX KANE
I’m not entirely sure about that yet. From what I saw of his equipment, it looks like he found all this out accidentally. I’m not sure I can get it to work the way it’s supposed to.
REGINA REX
So you’re saying you’re both stranded.
MADDOX KANE
It looks that way, at least for now.
SOUND: TRANSITION, KEYPAD, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, HUMMING FROM ARTIFACT GROWNING LOUDER AS FOOTSTEPS ADVANCE
INT. GILBAN'S QUARTERS - EVENING
TERRY MENDELSON
(walking in cautiously) Gilban? Hello Gilban? Sorry, your hatch wasn’t sealed... Captain Rex said I should stop by since we’ll be working together. Gilban?
SOUND: HUMMING LOUD, FOOTSTEPS STOP
TERRY MENDELSON (CONT'D)
Well I’ll be... What do we have here?
SOUND: KEYPAD, MACHINE AND HUMMING GETTING LOUDER END OF EPISODE
