VOID - SEASON 5, EPISODE 10
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
In for a Penny, In for a Pound
VOID PODCAST LLC
NARRATOR
During the previous episode, Regina officially welcomed the Mendelsons to the Ching She with some dismay from the crew. Clashes rose between Jonas and various people around him as he struggles with his emotions. Regina and Serebella began questioning Maddox Kane. And Terry discovered Gilban’s artifact.
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, LASER GRID
INT. CHING SHE CONFINEMENT DECK - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(walking in)
Hey Captain, what did... who is this?
REGINA REX
The reason I called you here. Meet Maddox Kane.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hi.
Hi.
MADDOX KANE JONAS ALDRIDGE
Where did Maddox Kane come from?
REGINA REX
Gilban’s artifact.
SEREBELLA REON
He’s gone Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Who? Gilban.
REGINA REX JONAS ALDRIDGE
PAUSE
You’re joking.
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
You’re not joking. How do we get him back?
No idea.
REGINA REX
MADDOX KANE
As I explained, I can help but I need access to your equipment. All of it.
REGINA REX
That’s the tricky part, we don’t know you or trust you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We need to talk to Ursula and Anko, everyone needs to be in on this.
SEREBELLA REON
In the meantime, how do you want to handle this?
REGINA REX
Maddox, you’ll sit tight here for now. We’ll set you up with food and drink. Serebella, please watch over our guest and provide whatever’s needed.
SEREBELLA REON
Yes captain.
REGINA REX
Ok Jonas, let’s address the crew.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, TRANSITION, KEYPAD, VARIOUS BUTTONS
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - DAY
ANKO LUMEN
Thanks for helping me up here. I don’t know what’s going on but Captain Rex asked me to stay on the bridge until they get back.
PAT MENDELSON
It’s my pleasure! The more I can learn, the better!
ANKO LUMEN
I have to tell you, it’s great having you as an assistant. Being around Captain Aldridge has been exceptionally challenging lately. It’s like being around a black hole. He sucks the life out of the room.
PAT MENDELSON
He seems really angry and depressed. Is it all over their breakup?
ANKO LUMEN
I think so.
PAT MENDELSON
Seems like a lot to go through for such a woman.
ANKO LUMEN
I think Dr. Nash is a fine person...
PAT MENDELSON
(cutting him off, deflecting)
I’m sorry, what I meant was to go through that for anybody; it seems excessive.
ANKO LUMEN
I agree.
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
PAT MENDELSON
Terry? What are you doing here on the bridge? You’re supposed to be working with Gilban.
TERRY MENDELSON
That’s why I’m here. He never showed for his shift. I’ve been waiting for about 2 hours now.
ANKO LUMEN
Did you try his cabin?
TERRY MENDELSON
I did, I tried the comms and I stopped by but he didn’t answer when I checked his hatch. It was locked too.
ANKO LUMEN
That’s odd.
PAUSE A BEAT
PAT MENDELSON
Uh, Dr. Lumen? Can you take a look at the scope-thingy here? I think I see something.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SWIPING SOUND
ANKO LUMEN
That’s another ship. What’s it doing out here?
PAT MENDELSON
It looks like it’s moving toward us.
ANKO LUMEN
It certainly does.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, KEYPAD, BUTTONS, ALERT
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Attention Captain Rex, we have an unidentified craft moving toward us.
SOUND: CLICK
REGINA REX
(over comms) How close is it?
ANKO LUMEN
Pretty far but moving quickly.
PAT MENDELSON
What do you need us to do Captain?
REGINA REX
Pat, I want you to stay there and assist. Terry, you’ll be learning how to fire the cannons.
TERRY MENDELSON
Hot damn! That sounds like fun!
REGINA REX
Don’t get trigger happy. The guns are computer guided, you’ll be there as a backup under Serebella’s command.
TERRY MENDELSON
Got it.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING, HATCH
PAT MENDELSON
Be careful dear!
REGINA REX
Anko, bring up the shields. We’re on our way to the bridge.
SOUND: TRANSITION, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, SEATS
PAT MENDELSON
Everyone’s so well trained.
REGINA REX
(walking in)
Unfortunately we’ve had some run- ins here and there. Jonas, get on those controls in case we need to divert power.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(moving to console) Yes captain.
SOUND: KEYPAD, BUTTONS, SHIELDS MOVING INTO PLACE
REGINA REX
Pat, move over to that console and lift that cover where that blue button is.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SEAT, PANEL SLIDING UP
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Don’t touch the button unless I give the order, ok?
PAT MENDELSON
(nervous) Ok captain.
REGINA REX
I’m hailing them now.
SOUND: KEYPAD, SHIP HAILING TONE PAUSE A BEAT
SOUND: HAILING RESPONSE, PAUSE THEN NEARBY EXPLOSION
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Whoa!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What was that??
REGINA REX
They just fired on us!
SOUND: STATIC OVER SPEAKER
MOON MINER #1
(over speaker)
That was a warning shot Mendelsons! The next one won’t miss! No funny business!
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX
This is Captain Regina Rex of the Ching She! Just what do you think you’re doing?
MOON MINER #1
Don’t try to fool us! We tracked our ship here to this ship! We know you’re on board Pat and Terry!
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX
Pat, do you care to explain what’s happening here?
PAT MENDELSON
These are the crazy miners we told you about from Rhea.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Rhea?
REGINA REX
It’s one of Saturn’s most outlying moons. What did they mean by their ship?
MOON MINER #1
Hand over our ship or we blast you out of space.
REGINA REX
Pat?!
PAT MENDELSON
(reluctant)
Ok, Terry supposedly lost our ship in a poker game. I said that was impossible since the ship was left to me, not him. But the miners insisted the bet was legitimate so we took off before they could take it from us.
REGINA REX
Are you serious?
PAT MENDELSON
We would’ve been stranded on that moon! We did what we had to do.
REGINA REX
Great, just great.
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
I am not Pat Mendelson. You attacked my ship, the Ching She.
PAUSE A BEAT
MOON MINER #1
Hand over the Mendelsons and our ship and we’ll be on our way.
REGINA REX
Sorry but that’s not going to happen.
MOON MINER #1
Look lady, we traveled a long distance and we’re not going back empty handed.
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX
Anko, run a scan on their ship and look for weaknesses.
SOUND: KEYPAD, SCAN PROCESSING
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
I don’t suppose you have anything to offer them?
PAT MENDELSON
No, we don’t.
REGINA REX
Then I guess we’re doing this the hard way.
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
I’m afraid the Mendelsons don’t have anything to offer.
MOON MINER #1
That’s not my problem.
REGINA REX
It kind of is. You’re not getting anything here buddy so I recommend you turn around before this gets ugly. Look at the firepower, you’re no match.
MOON MINER #1
In for a penny, in for a pound.
REGINA REX
Have it your way.
SOUND: KEYPAD, BUTTONS
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Their ship is now locked into the targeting computer.
ANKO LUMEN
Isn’t their ship a little small to be taking on the Ching She?
SOUND: CANNONS FIRING, CHING SHE GETTING HIT, CONCUSSIONS
REGINA REX
Even with our shields, a ship like that can do a lot of dama...Oh shit! They’re using a repeater!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What’s a repeater?
REGINA REX
It repeats the signature of their ship signal and makes copies so the tracking computer won’t know which ship is theirs!
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Serebella! Go manual with the guns and fire immediately on that ship!
SEREBELLA REON
(over speaker) Will do captain!
SOUND: CANNONS CONTINUED, CONCUSSIONS
PAT MENDELSON
Captain Rex it looks like they’re getting awfully close!
SOUND: CANNON FIRE COMES TO A STOP
SEREBELLA REON
We can’t see them!
REGINA REX
I was worried about this, they’re going to try to board us. Pat, I need you here on the bridge keeping it on lockdown. Astrid, security protocol HB, full ordnance.
ASTRID
Confirming protocol HB, full ordnance. Please confirm with passcode.
SOUND: KEYPAD
ASTRID (CONT'D)
Passcode confirmed.
SOUND: ALERT SOUND, EMERGENCY LIGHTS FLIPPING ON, VARIOUS HATCHES SEALING AND LOCKING
REGINA REX
Astrid, monitor all ship surfaces and track invading ship’s location at all times. Report on location if ship docks with the Ching She.
ASTRID
Affirmative, tracking invading ship’s position.
SOUND: TRACKING
REGINA REX
Anko and Pat I need you to keep control of the bridge, you’ll be safe here. If anyone tries to bust in they’ll be vaporized before they can cut through.
ANKO LUMEN
Yes captain.
PAT MENDELSON
Thanks captain.
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX
Attention crew, they’re going to try to board us. Those trained in combat, suit up with your body armor and meet me at the armory. Everyone else, follow the security protocols for this situation and seal yourselves in your cabins. All areas will be locked down. Move people!
SOUND: TRANSITION, KEYPAD, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE ARMORY - DAY
SOUND: OCCASIONAL CONCUSSIONS OF CHING SHE HULL GETTING HIT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Can they get through the shields?
REGINA REX
They’re trying to find a weak spot between the shields so they can cut through the hull faster. Terry, your wife is safe on the bridge.
TERRY MENDELSON
Thanks Captain Rex. You should know that as moon miners, they have the gear to cut through things quickly.
REGINA REX
I realize that, which is why we have to hustle as soon as Astrid tracks where they attach to us. By the way, what are you doing here Terry?
SEREBELLA REON
He insisted, he said he can fight.
REGINA REX
I’m not sure this is...
ASTRID
Hull attachment of unidentified ship detected. Location: section 3C, quadrant 2.
REGINA REX
That’s right next to the 2nd level corridor on the starboard side.
TERRY MENDELSON
(interrupting)
Look, you’re down a man right? Gilban’s not here. I don’t mind putting my life on the line if it means protecting my wife and the crew.
REGINA REX
Uh yeah, you’re right about Gilban. That’s very noble of you Terry.
SEREBELLA REON
We could really use the extra firepower.
REGINA REX
Alright, get him set up. We need space helmets on this Serebella in case they blow a hole through the hull.
SOUND: EQUIPMENT BEING GATHERED
SEREBELLA REON
Magnetic boots too?
Yes.
REGINA REX
SEREBELLA REON
You know they’re going to slow us down.
REGINA REX
I know but better than getting ripped into space. Make sure the tether lines work on the belts too. Which guns should we grab?
SEREBELLA REON
We’ll need a combination. I’ll control the grenades and use the T-
360. Captain Aldrige, grab the sniper rifle. Captain Rex, take the AG-12. Terry, I’m giving you the pulse magnum.
TERRY MENDELSON
Now you’re talkin’!
REGINA REX
Take it easy Eastwood.
TERRY MENDELSON
Who?
REGINA REX
Never mind. Make sure you have plenty of ammo, let’s get moving!
SOUND: TRANSITION, QUIET, SHIP ATTACHING TO HULL, DULL METAL THUMPS, PAUSE, METAL CUTTING SOUND
INT. CHING SHE CORRIDOR - AFTERNOON
REGINA REX
(wearing a helmet)
They’re cutting through! They’ll start with gas. Switch to your breathers and infrared view finders.
SOUND: KEYPAD, VISORS CHANGING IN HELMET
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Serebella...
SEREBELLA REON
(wearing a helmet) Safety’s off! I lead with the grenades. Jonas second with the sniper rifle. If they’re still advancing, we let loose!
REGINA REX
Get ready!
SOUND: METAL CUTTING STOPS, CUT OUT PLATE OF METAL HITTING THE FLOOR
MOON MINER #1
(wearing a helmet)
Crew of the Ching She, we’ve changed our minds. Surrender your ship andthe Mendelsons and you can have our old ship and be on your way. This is our final offer.
REGINA REX
Here’s my counter offer: bugger off or die.
SOUND: QUIET, GAS GRENADES THROWN AND EXPLODING, GAS LEAKING INTO THE CORRIDOR, PAUSE IN TIME, GRENADES BEING KEYED AND TOSSED AT THE MINERS, FLASHES OF FIRE AS THEY EXPLODE
MOON MINER #1
Incendiaries!
MOON MINER #2 AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
SOUND: GRENADES BEING KEYED AND TOSSED AT THE MINERS, CONCUSSIONS AS THEY EXPLODE, BODIES BEING THROWN AROUND
SEREBELLA REON
Jonas!
SOUND: SINGLE SHOTS FROM SNIPER RIFLE
MOON MINERS VARIOUS
Ah! Ungh!! Etc...
MOON MINER #1
Laser cutter!
SOUND: LASER CUTTER WINDING UP, TREMENDOUSLY LOUD LARGE LASER BEAM CUTTING THROUGH EVERYTHING
REGINA REX
(diving while yelling) Get down!!
SOUND: LASER CUTTING THROUGH VARIOUS OBJECTS HITTING TERRY, BODY FALLING TO THE FLOOR
TERRY MENDELSON
(wearing a helmet) Ahhhh! I’m hit!
REGINA REX
Lay flat!
Open fire!
SEREBELLA REON
SOUND: MANY GUN SHOTS FROM VARIOUS GUNS, LASER CUTTER STOPS, VARIOUS CRIES OF IMPACT FROM THE MINERS, LASER CUTTER TURNING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY
REGINA REX
I’ll get to Terry, keep firing.
SOUND: GUNFIRE, FOOTSTEPS SCRAMBLING, CRAWLING ACROSS THE FLOOR
MOON MINER #1
Pulse crusher!
SOUND: SONIC BLAST, DEBRIS FLYING, GUNSHOTS STOP, VARIOUS BODY IMPACTS, GRENADES LOOSE ROLLING ONTO FLOOR
SEREBELLA REON
(hitting wall and the floor)
OOoofff! Jonas! Get the grenades!
SOUND: SCRAMBLING, GUNSHOTS, RUNNING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Enough of this!
SOUND: GUNSHOTS, BUTTON PRIMING GRENADE, GRENADE BEING TOSSED
SEREBELLA REON
No Jonas! Not that one...!
SOUND: MASSIVE EXPLOSION, BODIES IMPACTING VARIOUS SURFACES, VACUUM, DEBRIS, TETHER LINES BEING SHOT OUT
SEREBELLA REON (CONT'D)
Tethers!!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Shit!
SOUND: TETHER LINES CONNECTING TO SURFACE
TERRY MENDELSON
Got it!
SEREBELLA REON
(fighting to pull on tether)
Puncturing a hole in the hull wasn’t a great move Jonas! This is why I throw them!
TERRY MENDELSON
At least the miners are gone!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Regina! She’s unconscious!
SOUND: TAUGHT TETHER LINES, STRUGGLING
SEREBELLA REON
Regina? Regina!! Wake up!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
She’s going past me! She’s floating into space! I can’t grab her!
SOUND: STRUGGING, REACHING VARIOUS
SEREBELLA REON
REGINA!!!
END OF EPISODE