VOID
Season 5 Long-Form Bonus Episode Preview
Welcome to this bonus episode of VOID. This episode is a stand-alone story and will not interfere or change the main episode storyline. This is simply one of the side adventures you didn’t hear about in the main season. Thanks again for listening and supporting our podcast. We hope you enjoy this bonus episode of VOID.
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www.void-podcast.com
Welcome to this bonus episode of VOID. This episode is a stand-alone story and will not interfere or change the main episode storyline. This is simply one of the side adventures you didn’t hear about in the main season. Thanks again for listening and supporting our podcast. We hope you enjoy this bonus episode of VOID.
Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE
Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.
Free delivery on your first order over $35.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
www.void-podcast.com
VOID - SEASON 4, BONUS EPISODE
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
Bonus Episode Season 5 - 5145 Pholus: The Death Planet
VOID PODCAST LLC
NARRATOR
Welcome to this bonus episode of VOID. This episode is a stand-alone story and will not interfere or change the main episode storyline. This is simply one of the side adventures you didn’t hear about in the regular season. Thanks again for listening and supporting our podcast. We hope you enjoy this bonus episode of VOID.
SOUND: KEYPAD, SWIPING, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - DAY
ANKO LUMEN
You asked me to come to the bridge?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hi Anko, I need you to take a look at this.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SWIPING, MAGNIFICATION
ANKO LUMEN
What am I looking at?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
This. It’s called Pholus. It’s a minor planet in Saturn’s orbit between here and Neptune.
ANKO LUMEN
And?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And it’s pretty close to where we are now, give or take 10,000 km or so. Take a look at the composite report of the surface.
SOUND: KEYPAD, SCREEN INTERACTION
ANKO LUMEN
These numbers, this can’t be right.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s what I thought but I ran it
5 times so far and it keeps coming up the same.
ANKO LUMEN
But why did we not know about this planet? It looks habitable. Someone should have settled on it by now.
Which means it should be in the planetary registry back on the station.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It could be the size, it’s roughly
180 kilometers in diameter. Not enough for a large population. I was thinking that if Europa works out, it could be an outpost as we expand farther into space.
ANKO LUMEN
Still strange that given the surface conditions that no-one has planted their flag yet.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Maybe we’re the first to get close enough to do proper readings.
ANKO LUMEN
Maybe.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
There’s only 1 way to find out. I think we should visit the surface. What do you think?
ANKO LUMEN
Dangerous but intriguing. This could be a monumental scientific find. I’m in.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Good, I’ll clear it with Regina and establish a landing team. And no, you won’t be getting sole credit on this one.
ANKO LUMEN
Whatever.
SOUND: TRANSITION
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - AFTERNOON
REGINA REX
So what do you know so far?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Nobody has ever set foot on Pholus, we’ll be the first. So there’s no information in any of the archives. We only have data from the last 13 hours or so. But from what we can tell, the atmosphere has potential to be made breathable.
ANKO LUMEN
The methane levels are lower than what we saw on Titan and the gravitational field is not that different either. It’s heavier but bearable.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s also nitrogen rich, we scanned something that seemed to appear like plant life.
REGINA REX
Plants? On the surface? You’re joking.
ANKO LUMEN
These aren’t traditional plants mind you, but something that looks plant-like and seems to be embedded in the surface, not on top of it.
URSULA NASH
What about temperatures?
ANKO LUMEN
A little higher than Titan so our bodies are already conditioned and the suits will work fine.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
There are signs of moisture on the surface too. I haven’t seen any storm activity yet.
URSULA NASH
You mean liquid? What is it?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No idea until we can get there to take samples.
ANKO LUMEN
I have to say a planet like this, minor or otherwise is a huge find. It would be a crime to not at least take a quick look at it first hand while we’re this close.
REGINA REX
What do you propose?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That we pay a short visit to the surface. Collect direct samples and data. That’s it. The goal is still Europa but this could be a significant discovery on the way.
REGINA REX
As long as the agreement is that no- one strays too far away and we haul ass out of there at the first sign of trouble.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Agreed.
REGINA REX
Who’s on the landing team?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Myself, Anko, and Ursula.
URSULA NASH
Me? On the surface?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
With your knowledge of chemistry we thought you’d be great at getting samples.
URSULA NASH
Ok! I’m in! I’ve always stayed on the shuttle or in the habitat, this is exciting!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Pat, we’ll be transmitting data constantly back here to the ship. We’d like you to monitor the data and let us know if the signal drops.
PAT MENDELSON
Can do Captain Aldridge!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Terry, it would be great if you could help us with equipment on the surface. Anko’s machines are still calibrated and ready to go. Given Gilban’s current health, we thought it best for him to sit this one out. We’ll tell him later.
TERRY MENDELSON
I’m happy to help Captain Aldridge. Although, I don’t want to step on Gilban’s toes...
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s not like that. With the stress he’s been under from Nova passing, his injuries; we thought some time off might be good.
REGINA REX
His obsession with the artifact is an ongoing problem too. We need to keep an eye on him. For now, let’s get ready to make history, again.
SOUND: TRANSITION, EQUIPMENT BEING PREPARED, FOOTSTEPS (VARIOUS)
INT. CHING SHE DOCKING BAY - EVENING
TERRY MENDELSON
Hey Captain Aldridge, you got a minute?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sure Terry, what’s up?
TERRY MENDELSON
(reluctant)
I have to tell you I don’t really have a lot of experience with surface work.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I thought you worked on a mining colony on a moon somewhere?
TERRY MENDELSON
We did but I worked in a machinery kind of way. I helped with maintenance. Nothing on the surface. I’m kind of nervous.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
About what?
TERRY MENDELSON
Well, flying off into space for one thing.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
The gravity is much higher on Pholus than it is on Earth where I’m from.
TERRY MENDELSON
Wait, you’re from Earth!? I didn’t know that! I thought you were from the station. I just assumed we were trying to help the station’s populace.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We are but it’s more for the people that still live on Earth where their days are numbered.
TERRY MENDELSON
I have to hear all about it.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It sucks to live underground with power hungry asshats is the overall theme. Let’s talk about it later.
Since the gravity is higher, we’ll all weigh a lot more so nobody’s floating off anywhere.
TERRY MENDELSON
That’s a relief.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It is and it isn’t. Everything is going to be much heavier. Including our equipment. Our movement will be much slower too. Luckily, our surface suits have some hydraulics built in which will help compensate somewhat.
Somewhat?
TERRY MENDELSON
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We’ll still be heavier but it will be slightly easier to move.
TERRY MENDELSON
What about the air and the temperature?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We were all conditioned back on the station. You’ll need to see Ursula about that. The suits will also mitigate the temperature conditions.
TERRY MENDELSON
Which means we’ll be on the surface longer.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes but not for super-long. We’re not doing the full set up like what we did on Titan. This is to get some basic samples and info for the archives. We might be able to use Pholus as an outpost if Europa works out. It could provide another colony for survivors from Earth.
TERRY MENDELSON
Ok, thanks Captain.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Jonas is fine when Captain Rex isn’t around.
TERRY MENDELSON
Thanks Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You should go see Dr. Nash. We head to the surface tomorrow morning.
SOUND: TRANSITION, VARIOUS KEYPAD USE
INT. PAT AND TERRY’S QUARTERS - EVENING
PAT MENDELSON
Astrid, can you tell me the areas of the ship that I don’t have access to?
ASTRID
You are not permitted to enter the following areas: Engineering decks B, C, D, E. Armory - all decks.
Security vaults A through F.
SOUND: KEYPAD
PAT MENDELSON
(perking up)
Security vaults? Astrid, what gets stored in the security vaults of the ship?
ASTRID
Your security clearance does not allow access to that information.
PAT MENDELSON
Of course it doesn’t. Astrid, on what deck are the plutonium fuel cells located?
ASTRID
Plutonium fuel cells are located on Engineering deck D.
SOUND: KEYPAD, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
PAT MENDELSON
Hello dear husband!
TERRY MENDELSON
Hello wonderful wife! It looks like we hit the surface tomorrow morning.
PAT MENDELSON
I know you’re not looking forward to that.
TERRY MENDELSON
(nervous)
Jonas talked me down a bit. It should be fine, I guess.
PAT MENDELSON
I’ve been trying to find a weak spot to exploit. I have some potential ideas.
TERRY MENDELSON
Sounds promising. Look, he wanted me to see Dr. Nash to get treated for the surface.
PAT MENDELSON
You’re going aren’t you?
TERRY MENDELSON
About that, do I need to?
PAT MENDELSON
Yes, you know we have to be all in on the game Terry.
TERRY MENDELSON
But you said it yourself that she doesn’t trust you. What if she does something?
Like what?
PAT MENDELSON
TERRY MENDELSON
Like probes me, or tries to find out information or...
PAT MENDELSON
(cutting him off)
Probes you? She’s not an alien Terry.
TERRY MENDELSON
I know that!
PAT MENDELSON
I’ve been winning her over. I’ve been winning everyone over in fact so trust me and go through with the procedure. She’s not going to do anything to you. She might be playing games with her ex-boyfriend but not with her work.
TERRY MENDELSON
I hope you’re right.
PAT MENDELSON
I am. Now get over here, all this danger is turning me on.
SOUND: KISSING
PAT MENDELSON (CONT'D)
(mid-kiss)
Hey, how do you feel about Anko?
TERRY MENDELSON
He’s ok. I don’t know much about him.
PAT MENDELSON
I mean, how do you feel about me having sex with him? Possibly the 3 of us?
TERRY MENDELSON
Oh, fine. Whatever you want sweetheart. You know me...
PAT MENDELSON
I certainly do.
SOUND: KISSING, TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
INT. CHING SHE MEDICAL OFFICE - EVENING
TERRY MENDELSON
Hi Dr. Nash.
URSULA NASH
Hi Terry, I’ve been expecting you. I’ll need you to get down to your underwear and lay down over there.
TERRY MENDELSON
But doc, we barely know each other.
URSULA NASH
Yes, funny. I’ve never heard that one. It amazes me how many comedians we have on board.
SOUND: DISROBING, BAREFEET, LAYING ON PROCESSING TABLE, KEYPAD, MACHINES WARMING UP
URSULA NASH (CONT'D)
I have to prep your body for surface conditions on Pholus.
TERRY MENDELSON
I’ve been through this before on the station Dr. Nash.
URSULA NASH
Yes, but that was on the station where we have much better equipment to work with. Here on the ship, it will be a bit different. I’m also prepping your body for heavier gravity so there can be side effects.
TERRY MENDELSON
Side effects? Like what?
URSULA NASH
It’s hard to tell, it can be different for each person. Things like diarrhea, temporary blindness, heart palpitations or straight up heart failure, seizures, constipation, liver or kidney failure. Sometimes combinations of things.
Wow.
TERRY MENDELSON
URSULA NASH
Oh, but don’t worry. I’m prepared for any problems that might come up. You’ll be in tip-top shape by tomorrow morning. Tonight might be rough, reallyrough, but we’ll see!
TERRY MENDELSON
Um, on second thought...
URSULA NASH
Here we go!
SOUND: KEYPAD, MACHINES STARTING TO PROCESS, TRANSITION, SHIP ENGINES, LANDING GEAR EXTENDING, ENGINES WINDING DOWN, SEAT HARNESSES RETRACTING
INT. SHUTTLE INTERIOR - DAY
REGINA REX
As far as landings go, that wasn’t too bad.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok everyone, let’s get the suits on.
SOUND: PEOPLE STANDING, FOOTSTEPS, EQUIPMENT / SUITS, KEYPAD
REGINA REX
We’ve touched down on the surface Serebella.
SEREBELLA REON
(over comms)
Roger that. Pat and I are monitoring from here.
REGINA REX
Great, keep an eye out for any surface storm activity. We don’t want to get blind-sided. Rex out.
TERRY MENDELSON
(voice is abnormally “bass- ey”)
Dr. Nash, how much longer will my voice be like this?
URSULA NASH
The side effects vary by the person Terry, hopefully not much longer
TERRY MENDELSON
(self-conscious) Thanks.
URSULA NASH
(putting helmet on)
Hey if it doesn’t change, you could always become a lounge singer back on the station. See? I can be a jokester too!
TERRY MENDELSON
I’ll keep that in mind.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Astrid, please report surface temperatures and wind conditions.
ASTRID
Current temperature is negative 211 degrees celsius, wind speed is 25 knots.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What do you think Anko?
ANKO LUMEN
I think the conditions are manageable.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(putting helmet on)
Good, let’s proceed as planned.
SOUND: TRANSITION, AIRLOCK OPENING AND CLOSING, FOOTSTEPS, EQUIPMENT DRAGGED SLOWLY
EXT. 5145 PHOLUS SURFACE - MORNING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(wearing helmet, under strain from extra weight, walking slowly)
Everyone, just take it slow. Baby steps.
URSULA NASH
(wearing helmet, under strain from extra weight, walking slowly)
I don’t think we have much of a choice.
ANKO LUMEN
(wearing helmet, under strain from extra weight, walking slowly)
Just a little farther away from the shuttle and we should be good to set up.
TERRY MENDELSON
(wearing helmet, under strain from extra weight, walking slowly, *voice is both low and slow)
I hope so. I don’t think I can move this stuff much more.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Mind your footing, we don’t want anyone falling into a...
SOUND: GROUND CRACKING, LOSING FOOTING
TERRY MENDELSON
(leg slipping into crevasse)
Ahhhh!!!
URSULA NASH
Grab him Anko!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, STRUGGLING, STANDING BACK UP
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yeah, those. Are you ok Terry?
TERRY MENDELSON
(brushing himself off, getting composed)
I’m fine. A crack I didn’t notice, that’s all.
SOUND: FOOSTEPS RESUME AND CONTINUE, EQUIPMENT DRAGGING
ANKO LUMEN
(out of breath)
This is good. Let’s set up here.
SOUND: VARIOUS BREATHS BEING TAKEN, EQUIPMENT PLACED ON THE GROUND AND BEING ASSEMBLED, TRANSITION
INT. SHUTTLE - DAY
SEREBELLA REON
(over comms)
Did they say how long it would take?
REGINA REX
Anko said 4 or 5 hours. But that’s Anko time so you know how that goes.
PAUSE A BEAT
SEREBELLA REON
I miss you. It seems we like haven’t had any alone time in forever. Well, Pat’s not on the bridge with me so I guess now counts.
REGINA REX
We’ll make up for it when I get back.
SEREBELLA REON
Sounds good to me, I’ve been feeling kind of... You know.
REGINA REX
Horny? Me too baby, me too. That gives me an idea.
SEREBELLA REON
Ooooo! It does? Tell me!
REGINA REX
We should fire up the poker game again.
SEREBELLA REON
Not what I thought you were going to say but that sounds like fun too!
REGINA REX
We haven’t done it for awhile since, well, Nova. I think everyone could stand to have a crazy night and let loose. It would be a good way to learn more about the Mendelsons.
SEREBELLA REON
You’re right, I’m already thinking up some betting ideas for them.
Let’s do it.
SOUND: TRANSITION, MACHINERY RUNNING, FOOTSTEPS (VARIOUS, SLOW)
EXT. 5145 PHOLUS SURFACE - DAY
ANKO LUMEN
Ok, it looks like we’re good to start collecting samples.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Let’s work in pairs. How about Anko and Ursula; I’ll pair with Terry.
Stay within view of the shuttle. We don’t know what the wind is like here, it could pick up quickly.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS MOVING SLOWLY
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Alright Terry, let’s head out this way. I thought I saw a body of liquid over there.
TERRY MENDELSON
(voice has returned to normal)
Right behind you Captain Aldridge.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How are you feeling since your body mods? You had the express treatment.
TERRY MENDELSON
Other than my voice getting weirded out for a while, overall not bad.
I’m tired though.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We all are, it’s the extra gravity. The suits can only compensate so much.
TERRY MENDELSON
This place is intense. Do you really think anyone could live here?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
With the proper habitat structure, maybe. That’s what we’re here to find out.
SOUND: WHIRLPOOL (ACID) SOUND GRADUALLY GETTING LOUDER, SLOW FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE
TERRY MENDELSON
It sounds like rushing water.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yeah, but that’s not water...
SOUND: SURFACE CRACKING
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Whoa!
SOUND: BODY GRABBED AND PULLED
TERRY MENDELSON
I have you!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS SETTLING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Wow, Terry, I believe you just saved my life. I would’ve been taken into that whirlpool of...Well, let’s find out.
SOUND: EQUIPMENT BEING USED, BUTTONS, ALERT BEEP
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Yes, you definitely saved my life. This looks to be a form of fluoroantimonic acid.
TERRY MENDELSON
What language are you speaking?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sorry, this stuff is something like over a billion times stronger than sulfuric acid. It’s considered a superacid. One drop would’ve gone straight through me like I was nothing. So, thanks.
TERRY MENDELSON
Yeah, no problem. I’m just going to hang back here a bit farther away from the swirling death pool.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That was the only sample I could analyze anyway. There’s nothing we have that it wouldn’t eat right through.
TERRY MENDELSON
That’s interesting Captain. Do you mind if we head back towards the shuttle maybe?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s probably a good idea.
SOUND: TRANSITION, SLOW FOOTSTEPS
EXT. 5145 PHOLUS SURFACE - DAY
ANKO LUMEN
This looks like a good a spot as any.
URSULA NASH
I’ll work over here, I saw something I want to check out.
SOUND: MACHINERY / TOOLS BEING USED
ANKO LUMEN
You’re excited, aren’t you?
URSULA NASH
I am. I’ve never had the chance to do anything like this before.
ANKO LUMEN
Really? You? I would’ve thought you ventured off the station at some point.
URSULA NASH
No, never. You?
ANKO LUMEN
I’ve had a number of space excursions, never deep space until now.
SOUND: WORKING CONTINUED
URSULA NASH
I have to say that you seem a little different Anko.
ANKO LUMEN
Different?
URSULA NASH
Yes, more personable. Not so ego centric.
ANKO LUMEN
The experience on Titan humbled me a little. I was so sure of myself, always have been. But then, nothing went right. I failed. I’m not used to failure.
URSULA NASH
Really? You’ve never failed before, ever?
ANKO LUMEN
Sure, but not so complete. Even the data I pulled turned out useless. I have nothing to return with from Titan. And that one was my idea.
URSULA NASH
Maybe you’ll be able to redeem yourself on Europa.
ANKO LUMEN
Maybe. Do these look like tree branches to you? I know they’re coming out of the surface...
URSULA NASH
That’s what I was thinking! No plant life could survive these temperatures though.
ANKO LUMEN
That’s based on our information from the station and Earth. This place has it’s own set of rules.
SOUND: RUSTLING
Wow!
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
URSULA NASH
What happened?
ANKO LUMEN
I almost pricked myself on a barb. There are little spikes all over these branches.
URSULA NASH
(while working)
Don’t puncture your suit, that’s the last thing we need.
ANKO LUMEN
There’s something sticky on this spike. What is this?
SOUND: RUSTLING, SAMPLE BEING GATHERED, BUTTONS, ALERT BEEP ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Not only are these spikes sharp and rock solid, they’re apparently poisonous. Hmm, this reminds me of Cerbera odollam.
URSULA NASH
Never read about that one.
ANKO LUMEN
It was an Earth plant. Also called the suicide tree. The poison it produced was used in suicide and murder. Fascinating.
(MORE)
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
I’m collecting a sample now. What did you find over there? It looks like...
URSULA NASH
(finishing his sentence) Fruit, I know. I’m not sure...
SOUND: ICEY FRUIT EXPLODING
URSULA NASH (CONT'D)
What the hell?
ANKO LUMEN
Did that just explode?
URSULA NASH
It sure di...
SOUND: ICEY FRUIT EXPLODING
ANKO LUMEN
Stop doing that!
URSULA NASH
I didn’t mean to...
SOUND: ICEY FRUIT EXPLODING
ANKO LUMEN
Ok! Ok! Let’s both take it slow and walk it back a...
SOUND: ICEY FRUIT EXPLODING (MULTIPLE)
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Ahhh!
Ahhh!
URSULA NASH
SOUND: TRANSITION, SLOW FOOTSTEPS
EXT. 5145 PHOLUS SURFACE - DAY
TERRY MENDELSON
(breathing heavy) I’m so tired.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(breathing heavy)
Yeah, me too. Let’s take a break and catch our breath.
TERRY MENDELSON
(catching breath) Thanks.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I can snag another sample here anyway. I’m not ready to go back to the shuttle just yet.
SOUND: EQUIPMENT / TOOLS
TERRY MENDELSON
Huh, what is that?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(working on taking a sample)
What’s what?
TERRY MENDELSON
Way over there. It kind of looks like a wall of ice.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(half listening)
Oh?
TERRY MENDELSON
Yeah, but why didn’t we notice it before?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(working) Uh hmm...
TERRY MENDELSON
It kind of looks like it’s getting closer.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(finishing collecting sample)
Getting closer?
PAUSE A BEAT
SOUND: DISTANT RUMBLE GETTING LOUDER
TERRY MENDELSON
Yeah, see? It looks like a wall, but it’s moving.
PAUSE A BEAT, OBSERVING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s not a wall. It’s the wind creating an ice storm. We have to get back to the shuttle!!
SOUND: TRANSITION, ICEY FRUIT EXPLODING, SILENCE
EXT. 5145 PHOLUS SURFACE - DAY
URSULA NASH
Enough already!
ANKO LUMEN
I think it’s over.
URSULA NASH
Spikes, exploding fruit, what is with this place?
ANKO LUMEN
They’re defense mechanisms.
URSULA NASH
I never thought of that.
ANKO LUMEN
Why else would these spikes be poisonous? It’s natural selection.
URSULA NASH
But that means these plants have evolved to not only withstand the low temperature but to also defend against natural predators.
ANKO LUMEN
That’s what I would assume.
URSULA NASH
What are they defending themselves against? We didn’t detect any life forms on the surface...
SOUND: MOVEMENT BELOW PLANET SURFACE
URSULA NASH (CONT'D)
What was that?
ANKO LUMEN
Maybe the thing the plants are defending themselves against.
SOUND: CRACKLING OVER WRIST COMMUNICATOR
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over wrist comm)
‘of there! Get back to the ship!
URSULA NASH
Jonas? Say again, you’re breaking up.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I said get back to the ship! The wind is...
SOUND: CRACKING, WIND SUDDENLY GETTING LOUDER AND MOVING FAST, TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS SLOW AND STRAINED, WIND PICKING UP MORE AND MORE, LIGHT HAIL
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Anko! Ursula! Hurry!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE, WIND AND HAIL INTENSIFYING
ANKO LUMEN
(breathing heavy) The equipment!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No time! Get in the shuttle!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, WIND OUTSIDE HOWLING, HAIL STARTING TO HIT THE SHUTTLE
URSULA NASH
(breathing heavy, taking helmet off)
That was close!
ANKO LUMEN
(breathing heavy)
We need to get my equipment once this settles down.
REGINA REX
That’s the problem Anko, with storms like this you have no idea how long they’ll last.
ANKO LUMEN
If it doesn’t get any worse than this I’ll...
SOUND: HEAVY HAIL BALL HITTING THE SHUTTLE, WIND HOWLING LOUDER AND GETTING WORSE, HAIL COMPOUNDING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t think that’s going to work out.
SOUND: SEVERAL MORE HEAVY HAIL BALLS HITTING THE SHUTTLE, METAL DENTING
TERRY MENDELSON
Hey, Captain Rex, there’s a dent back here.
A dent?
REGINA REX
TERRY MENDELSON
Yeah, but it’s pointing in, like it came from outside.
REGINA REX
We have to get out of here, now.
SOUND: HAIL AND WIND WORSENING, KEYPAD, BUTTONS, SHUTTLE ENGINES WARMING UP
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Everyone get in your seats and strap in!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SEATS, HARNESSES BUCKLING, ENGINES FIRING UP AND INCREASING POWER, LIFT OFF THE ICE
ANKO LUMEN
Well, there goes that equipment.
REGINA REX
Sorry Anko. We’re not out of this yet folks.
SOUND: ENGINES INCREASING, WIND AND HAIL REACHING PEAK INTENSITY, RATTLING, FLIGHT CONTINUING
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Shit!!
ANKO LUMEN
Can’t we just go up?!
REGINA REX
It’s not that simple! This wind is crazy!
SOUND: HUGE CHUNK OF ICE HITTING SHUTTLE
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
We’re in a spin! Hang on!!
SOUND: METAL BENDING, DENTING AND RATTLING, WIND AND HAIL CONTINUE, USE OF BUTTONS AND JOYSTICK
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Come on you bitch!!
SOUND: ENGINES POWER INCREASING, RATTLING GETTING WORSE
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
This is tearing the shuttle apart!
SOUND: BUTTONS, KEYPAD, STRUGGLING, ENGINES HITTING PEAK POWER, WIND AND HAIL ALL HITTING EXTREMES
PAUSE A BEAT AS CHAOS CONTINUES
SOUND: WIND AND HAIL DIE OFF QUICKLY, ENGINES ROARING
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
(sigh of relief like she hadn’t taken a breath the entire time)
Whew, we’re out.
URSULA NASH
Is it ok if we never do that again?
SOUND: KEYPAD, ENGINES SETTLING DOWN
REGINA REX
I couldn’t agree more. Let’s get back to the Ching She.
SOUND: TRANSITION, KEYPAD, SWIPING, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
REGINA REX
Take a look at this Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What am I looking at?
ANKO LUMEN
The current wind speeds on the surface.
SOUND: KEYPAD, SWIPING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re joking.
ANKO LUMEN
Not at all.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
But, that number is something like 7x the speed of sound.
URSULA NASH
It’s no wonder that everything was embedded into the surface the way it was.
REGINA REX
We barely got out of there just in time. 5 minutes longer and we would’ve been toast.
TERRY MENDELSON
Thanks for your bad-ass flying Captain Rex.
REGINA REX
Thanks, but there was nothing bad- ass about it. I was white knuckling my way through the whole thing. I’m just glad the shuttle wasn’t ripped apart.
ANKO LUMEN
I’m thinking given exploding fruit, underground creatures of some sort, super sonic winds and whirlpools of acid, this place isn’t going to work as an outpost.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Probably not. Is the equipment we lost going to hurt our mission on Europa?
ANKO LUMEN
No, I can make adjustments to other equipment to compensate.
URSULA NASH
I guess we can be happy to just have made it off the planet alive.
REGINA REX
From here on out, we’ll refer to 5145 Pholus as the death planet. Let’s get on track for Europa.
END OF EPISODE
