VOID - SEASON 5, EPISODE 7
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
Sowing the Seeds of Discontent
VOID PODCAST LLC
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