VOID PODCAST EPISODE 5

Episode 5: UNDERGROUND COLONY

In our last episode, Jonas revealed to the revolt leader that the council was trying to enrich uranium. It was also discovered that Jonas’ lost colleague had left a message verifying that a virus had returned to the lower tiers. Creating more complications, Nova Bayflower ended up arrested and coming under the radar of the council’s leader of the security force, Colonel Mercy Harlow.

UNITED STATES MIDWEST

EARTH SURFACE, SOMEWHERE IN THE

SOUND: EXTREMELY HEAVY WINGS, BLOWING DEBRIS, GEIGER COUNTER SOUNDS

VOICE: (HUMAN VOICE) THIS IS DR. JONAS ALDRIDGE REPORTING SURFACE CONDITIONS. CURRENTLY I’M TRAPPED UNDER A ROCK STRUCTURE FOR SHELTER DUE TO EXCESSIVELY STRONG WINGS.

SOUND: SOMETHING CRASHING, WRECKAGE SOUNDS, HEAVY WINDS INCREASING, GEIGER COUNTER FLUCTUATING

VOICE: CONT. RADIATION LEVELS ARE... AT...WAIT...3,570 CPM. WELL, IT’S STILL DANGEROUS BUT IT’S ALEAST SLIGHTLY LOWER FROM THE LAST READING. MY CONCERN AT THE MOMENT THOUGH IS THE WIND. THE RADIATION MAY NOT MATTER MUCH IF THE WIND IS ANTYHING LIKE TODAY. I MAY BE STUCK HERE FOR AWHILE.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, POURING SOUND, MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND

JONAS ALDRIDGE RESIDENCE

GERALD DANIELS

Are you sure I can’t pour you a drink?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

No, I’m sure, I need a break after last night. You heard?

GERALD DANIELS

Oooooh, yes, I heard. Jonas tends to unload to a sympathetic ear, with moonshine.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I disappointed him, I could tell. I wanted to come over and make amends.

GERALD DANIELS

Don’t worry about that, Jonas can be a hothead but he’s pretty quick to forgive after he’s blown off some steam.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Speaking of Jonas, shouldn’t he have been back by now?

GERALD DANIELS

Yeah, he usually dosen’t like to stay on the surface this long.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Do you think he’s ok?

GERALD DANIELS

Jonas can handle himself, he’s fine I’m sure.

EARTH SURFACE SOUND: EXTREMELY HIGH WINDS, DEBRIS FLYING JONAS ALDRIDGE

Shiiiiiiiiittttttt!!!!!

SOUND: HIGH WINDS CONTINUING, THEN SLOWING, THEN CALM JONAS ALDRIDGE

(PANTING)

Ok, ok, finally. I can get out of here.

SOUND: WALKING, THEN RUNNING JONAS ALDRIDGE

Where’s the entrance? Come on!

SOUND: WALKING, SCRAMBLING JONAS ALDRIDGE

Finally.

SOUND: WALKING, WIND PICKING UP AGAIN, SCRAMBLING, TRIPPING, TEARING SOUND, AIR PRESSURE ESCAPING

JONAS ALDRIDGE

No! NO!!!

SOUND: WIND LEVELING OFF, SCRAMBLING, STOP, HATCH UNLOCKING AND OPENING, FOOSTEPS INSIDE, HATCH CLOSING AND SEALING, DECOMPRESSION SOUNDS, SUIT AND HELMUT BEING REMOVED

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(BREATHING HEAVY, THEN CALMING)

Alright, Jonas, get yourself together...

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND - QUIETER

JONAS ALDRIDGE RESIDENCE

GERALD DANIELS

Now I’m officially worried. This is way too long. The levels are tolerable in the suit he’s wearing but it’s the bear minimum grade so it can only take so much.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

He’s been up there for a long time.

GERALD DANIELS

And that’s what can kill you, the length of time you’re exposed to it, even with protection, it has an effect.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I could go up to the hatch on tier 1 to see if...

SOUND: DOOR OPENING, WALKING GERALD DANIELS

We were just getting ready to send out a search party.

SOUND: POURING AND DRINKING SOUNDS JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yeah, well, it was a close one. The winds must’ve hit

170 miles per hour.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That high?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I tore the suit Gerald?

GERALD DANIELS

(PANICKY)

You did? How bad were the levels?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

3,570. It ripped just before I got into the hatch, so at least my timing was good.

GERALD DANIELS

That’s high but not immediately lethal. With any luck you’ll only get a little skin cancer.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Lucky me.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

The council really expects to move an army through those conditions?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes, the idea of balloons as one mode of transportation is even being considered.

GERALD DANIELS

A real brain trust of military minds right there. I bet they’re praying for advice on military strategy. WWJBU.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

WWJBU?

GERALD DANIELS

What would Jesus blow up!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Once I give pass along these latest readings they’ll have to reconsider this whole idiotic idea.

GERALD DANIELS

I wouldn’t hold your breath on that.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Hey Jonas, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about what happened.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It’s ok but we can’t have that kind of thing happening Nova.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I know, I know.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m not so sure you do Nova. Getting the attention of Colonel Harlow is that last thing I wanted. I don’t really hold any authority with the council, I’m just a valuable pet that knows science things that benefit them. Once I’m no longer of value, the thin veil of protection I have for all of us disappears.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I understand, I’ve heard stories about her.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Whatever you’ve heard, it’s true or worse. I don’t know what makes a person that hateful and violent, but she’s

(MORE)

JONAS ALDRIDGE (cont’d)

good at both. We have to take extra care now. Keep communications on the network to a minimum. Strictly mission business. Any other matters just come here, don’t call. Show up anytime day or night.

GERALD DANIELS

Night especially. Rooooaarrr!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Knock it off Gerald. I’m going to give you a key so you can let yourself in. If you get followed, try to lose them if you can do it without being chased. During the day, just walk here and act normal. At night might look like we’re having an affair so that’s when you’ll need to try to shake them.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I have a few tricks.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

From here on out, if you want to get hammered, why don’t you just drink here. God knows he’s a cheap date, just keep an eye on where his hands are.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I’ve already been doing that.

GERALD DANIELS

I resent that. I’m a perfect gentleman.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, RUSTLING OF MATERIALS

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Let’s see, ah! Please let in Colonel Harlow.

SOUND: HEAVY DOOR OPENING, WALKING, FOOTSTEPS STOP COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Colonel Harlow, please take a seat.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

Thank you Council Seat Harris. May I deliver my report?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Please do.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

It has come to our attention that Dr. Aldridge has hired one Nova Bayflower as the pilot for a sensitive council mission. Last night, we took Ms. Bayflower into custody on charges of getting into a bar fight.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

While we frown on such behavior, it’s common among her type. I’m sure she’s sleeping it off somewhere. Dr.

Aldridge assures me she is a qualified pilot.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

I’m sure she is. My concern is after questioning the manager of the council establishment it was revealed that she mentioned the virus.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS (SLIGHTLY ALARMED)

She did? In what context?

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

Apparently it was dismissed by the manager as drunk jibberish.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Thank goodness for that. Do you think she knows anything?

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

She could’ve been crying about the past; we’ve contained the problem in the lower tiers so there’s no way she could’ve heard something. Unless...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Unless what?

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

Unless she heard something from her new friends Dr. Aldridge and Dr. Daniels.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Those two? They’re scared of their own shadows and would never venture down anywhere past tier 10. They have their noses stuck in research.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

Just as a precaution, I’d like to keep a closer eye on all 3 of them.

SOUND: MUMBLING BETWEEN COUNCIL MEMBERS COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We agree, you have our consent. One instruction, don’t

interfere for now, only observe.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

As you wish.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Thoughts and prayers.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

Thoughts and prayers.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, WHEEL CHAIR ROLLING, WALKING, PEOPLE IN THE BACKGROUND

COLONY CORRIDORS

GERALD DANIELS

That was the most miserable doctor appointment I’ve ever had in my entire life.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

They had to double check to make sure there was no infection, we’re not exactly living in ideal sterile conditions.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Don’t be such a baby.

GERALD DANIELS

Let’s see them dig around your spine with the equivalent to a ice pick and you let me know how that goes for you, ok?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That’s why they make that silky smooth anesthesia. Oh, right. Sorry. Ah, I see now. Hey, tell me more about Europa.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(WHISPERING)

Don’t say that name out loud. See that couple that’s about 10 yards or so away, near that vent, at your 7 o’clock?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Tailing us?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yep.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I’m surprised they gave themselves away so easily.

GERALD DANIELS

That is most likely intentional.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(MORE CAUTIOUS)

Fine, I won’t say the name out loud. Just tell me more about it and sound educational about it. Why there?

GERALD DANIELS

Because Mars’ terrain offers little hope of

terra-forming even if we could get past the surface storms. The storms are ultimately the problem and the one obstacle we can’t find a solution for. Europa offers a more likely chance of life.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Why didn’t we try to go there first.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Distance. Mars is around 33 million miles from Earth and you know how difficult it was to get there.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yeah, but there is better technology up there now since there’s no restrictions...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

There are also no standards.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

So if Mars is 33 million, how far is, the other place?

GERALD DANIELS

390 million, give or take a million.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Wow. How long would it take to get there?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Depending on the pilot, the crew, and the ship, 6 months to a year?

GERALD DANIELS

Something like that, barring other issues that come up.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Meteor showers, the asteroid belt beyond Mars, random debris from other objects...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Exactly. We’ll have to make a pit stop at the fuel depot in Mars’ orbit to top off the tank before we begin the final push.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

And what’s there?

GERALD DANIELS

Sodium chloride.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Salt?

GERALD DANIELS

Salt water to be more precise, a vast ocean of it! There are many scientists who believe that this particular moon could support life.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What he’s leaving out is that the surface oxygen levels are too thin for us to breathe, which doesn’t

matter since the temperature hits around -260 degrees Fahrenheit on an average day.

GERALD DANIELS

But under the ice! Under the surface ice we believe it’s a different story.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Theory Gerald, nothing more.

GERALD DANIELS

Yes, but a sound theory! We’ve been taking readings below the surface of the planet and warmer temperatures exist along with more terrain. The ice sheet on the moon would almost be like our ozone layer here.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Great, we can trash that too.

GERALD DANIELS

If we’re right, there could be an area below the ice where it could sustain life. It wouldn’t be ideal but it could give us a place to live for awhile at least and with abundant water sources. We could use the same drilling machines we used to create the colony.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

If they still work. I guess we can’t really stay here, can we?

GERALD DANIELS

The way this planet is degrading, no. No, we can’t stay.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Gerald’s set on Europa, I’m not. But, I believe there are options beside Europa that are also worth investigating, like Proxima B.

GERALD DANIELS

Proxima B is 3 billion miles away Jonas, it would take anywhere from 3 to 5 years just to get there. Do you really think we have the time and resources for that?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I think we have to keep our options open. If Europa doesn’t work, we’d have an alternate and we’d already be on our way.

GERALD DANIELS

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, I don’t think we can wait that long.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

OK gentleman, this is where I leave you, enjoy your council meeting.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Nova... Be careful, ok?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I will.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, WHEEL CHAIR, WALKING, STOPPING

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

GERALD DANIELS

Doctors Daniels and Aldridge here on council business.

SOUND: HEAVY DOOR OPENING, WHEEL CHAIR, WALKING, STOPPING COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Gentleman, so happy you could join us. How are you feeling Dr. Daniels?

GERALD DANIELS

As well as can be expected. Good days and bad.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

I’m sure you’re bouncing back just fine.

GERALD DANIELS

Thank you for your concern.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We have a busy schedule today gentleman so we’ll get right to it. How are you doing on the uranium project?

GERALD DANIELS

You may have seen in my initial report that we’re a bit delayed without the proper protection and equipment.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Yes, we looked over your requests and found most of them acceptable.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Except for the protection we asked for. Without access to...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Our resources have confirmed...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(INTERRUPTING)

And what sources would those be?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS (IRRITATED)

If you’ll allow me to continue, our sources have confirmed that uranium typically emits only small amounts of gamma radiation. The shields you asked for are being used for other purposes and the materials they’re made from are quite rare. The radiation suits we’re providing should be adequate.

GERALD DANIELS

There is no suit that stops gamma radiation, it only mitigates it to a degree. We need the shields so we can operate from a distance. We’re not going to be holding this stuff in our hands.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Basically if you want us to not die so we can keep working for you, we’ll need everything on that list that we asked for.

SOUND: COUNCIL MUMBLING AND DELIBERATING COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We can spare you 2 sets of shields only, is that

adequate?

GERALD DANIELS

It’s a start, we’ll see if we can work with it.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

There is another matter gentleman. Dr. Aldridge, it seems the pilot you hired has quite a mouth on her.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Oh?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Yes, she’s been spreading the seeds of discontent at a local, council sanctioned, entertainment establishment. The manager there heard her mention something about the virus.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

The virus? What do you mean? Noone’s talked about that in years.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Your friend, miss, Bayflower had some things to say about it.

GERALD DANIELS

She had a rough day that day Council Seat Harris and was consoling with me about the past. She explained to me later that she had drank too much and unfortunately needed to let off some steam. She very much regrets her actions.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I can confirm everything Dr. Daniels just conveyed.

SOUND: MUMBLING BETWEEN COUNCIL MEMBERS COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Very well. Ms. Bayflower is in your hands Dr. Aldridge, please reign her in or find another pilot. As you’re both aware, loyalty is rewarded, lack of faith is, well, less desirable.

GERALD DANIELS

Understood.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Now, if there’s nothing further...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m afraid I have another concern.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Yes, Dr. Aldridge?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I was wondering if you had a chance to look at my report.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We gave it a glance. We see that the radiation levels are manageable for our transports currently.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

But you’ll notice that wasn’t my primary concern. It was the wind.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

The wind?

SOUND: PAPERS SHUFFLING JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes, the wind is at exceedingly high speeds. There was discussion of the use of balloons which is never going to work...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We’ll determine the military strategies Dr. Aldridge.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

But even the grounded transports could be damaged or destroyed by the flying debris! It’s not safe for the people on those transports.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Very good Dr. Aldridge, we’ll revisit your wind concerns. Good day gentleman.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(EXASPERATED)

Sure, glad we could help.

SOUND: WHEEL CHAIR SOUND, WALKING, STOPPING COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Oh, one last thing Dr. Aldridge.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

You should know that the irrigation solution you came up with for tier 6 is working beautifully.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m glad to hear that. Were they able to work with my design intuitively?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Oh yes, they loved our design right away.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Our design?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Yes, the residents of tier 6 were quite happy with the council and the service we provided when we had you design the new system. As you know, as one of our, "consultants", you serve at our pleasure and we’re grateful for that.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

So happy the council is enjoying the accolades of the colony residents.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We are too. Happy colonists are loyal colonists. Thoughts and prayers.

SOUND: WHEEL CHAIR SOUND, WALKING, HEAVY DOOR OPENING THEN CLOSING, WHEEL CHAIR, WALKING, CORRIDOR SOUNDS

COLONY CORRIDORS

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That smug son of a bitch.

GERALD DANIELS

Suck it up Jonas, it’s not worth tangling with Harris and his cronies. Especially with Colonel Harlow in the room staring at us like that.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

She didn’t say a damn word, that was creepy.

GERALD DANIELS

Does it seem to you like they’re getting more militant?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Definitely. They only cared about 2 things, the uranium and getting ready to transport troops. They couldn’t have cared less about the populace.

GERALD DANIELS

Except when he wanted to take credit for your work and rub your face in it.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yeah, except for that.

GERALD DANIELS

We have to find a way to figure out this radiation thing. I’m not going to die of radiation sickness because they want to cheap out on materials.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I couldn’t agree more. We can only stall for so long before we’ll have to at least look like we’re doing something with it.

GERALD DANIELS

Have you ever thought about asking the cavers?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Asking the cavers about what?

GERALD DANIELS

How they survive on the surface with the radiation.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I don’t exactly have their phone number Gerald. And then there’s the issue that if I run into them on the surface, they’d probably kill me since I’m part of the colony. Wearing a radiation suit that has the council emblem on it no less.

GERALD DANIELS

I always heard they were neutral.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m not at liberty to discuss it with them since I’ve never actually seen a caver.

GERALD DANIELS

Well, if you ever get a chance you should sit down and talk with them. I’m fascinated by their lifestyle and am dying to know how they manage to live in those caves and not die from the radiation. How do they eat? Where do they get fresh water? Do they have babies? So much we don’t know about them!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

If I run into one of them I’ll see if I can set you up on a play date.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, CAT CALLING SOUNDS, WALKING

NOVA BAYFLOWER’S RESIDENCE

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Psssss, pssss, pssss! Vala! Where are youuuuuu? I have some yummy treats for my good kitty!

(PAUSE A BEAT)

Come on, where did that cat get to? I wonder if she got out again...

SOUND: SCRATCHING AT THE DOOR, MEOWING, DOOR OPENING THEN CLOSING

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Vala! There you are! You did get out! How the heck do you do that?

SOUND: CAT PURRING

VOICE: ALERT: THIS IS A NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENT. THERE IS A RADIATION ALERT IN TIER 7, SECTOR 12, REPEAT, THERE IS A RADIATION ALERT IN TIER 7, SECTOR 12. SECTOR 12 IS IN LOCKDOWN UNTIL THE SOURCE OF THE RADIATION IS CONTAINED.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Tier 7, sector 12, that’s us!

SOUND: DOORS LOCKING, NOVA’S DOOR LOCKING NOVA BAYFLOWER

Dammit!

VOICE: REPEAT, THIS SECTOR IS IN LOCKDOWN UNTIL THE SOURCE OF THE RADIATION IS CONTAINED. THE COUNCIL THANKS YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND SENDS THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

SOUND: THEME MUSIC END OF EPISODE 5