VOID PODCAST EPISODE 7

Episode 7: UNDERGROUND COLONY

In the last episode of Void, Jonas found himself caught between the revolt and the council as he was confronted by both organizations finding himself at a crossroads. The council’s agenda is starting to become more clear with their plans for the colony’s future. And unfortunately for Nova Bayflower, she found out her cat had gotten out onto the surface and became irradiated triggering a radiation alarm which resulted in her cat having to be put down.

SOUND: DOOR KNOCKING, DOOR OPENING, WALKING

NOVA BAYFLOWER’S RESIDENCE

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What the hell? Oh, hi Jonas.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What’s wrong? You look terrible.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Geez, thanks, just what I needed to hear.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I didn’t mean to... Are you ok?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Not really. They killed my cat Jonas, the pricks from the council’s decontamination team took my cat and destroyed her.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Why on Earth did...?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

She got out and up onto the surface somehow.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Oh, I see. I’m sorry to hear that.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Was it really necessary for them to kill her?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Unfortunately it was. Once something becomes irradiated, it’s very difficult to decontaminate. And with an animal, there’s a risk of spreading that contamination to you and other areas. I’m afraid they

(MORE)

JONAS ALDRIDGE (cont’d)

did you and your cat a favor. She would’ve had a slow, painful death from radiation poisoning and she could’ve infected you too.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You’re not helping Jonas, your bedside manner really sucks.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m not that kind of doctor but you’re right. I’m sorry for being so blunt.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I miss her already.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I apologize for bringing this up but you should come by my residence so we can check your radiation levels to make sure you’re ok.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Why did you come by?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I stopped over so we can discuss the test flight.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yeah, sure.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Ok, so how are we set for that?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We’re good to go. The ship is prepped and fueled.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

And you’re still up for this?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yes, if anything, I could use the distraction.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We have to be very careful, the council is examining us more closely than ever. They’re keeping an eye on everything surrounding us now. I was just pulled in for an interrogation by Colonel Harlow on my way over here.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

She didn’t hurt you, did she?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

No, I got lucky this time but then again they can’t risk damaging me for now because they still need me. Her little intimidation session seemed to be more of a warning.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

And once they don’t need you?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I guess I’ll cross that bridge at some point.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What about the revolt?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

The revolt can handle themselves, I’m trying to keep my distance from them as much as possible. I would suggest you do the same, they’re being watched closely too.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I hate the council more and more each day, I can’t wait to get off this rock.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I know how you feel.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I guess I’ll just see you at the test later. I need a little time to myself right now, ok?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sure, I’ll meet you at the ship when it’s time.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND

JONAS ALDRIDGE RESIDENCE

GERALD DANIELS

You need to go back!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

The hell I do! I thought Harlow was going to start torturing me when she brought me in.

GERALD DANIELS

Don’t be such a baby! You didn’t get hurt, you’re fine!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

For now, and if they catch me again?

GERALD DANIELS

You just have to get better at losing the agents that are following you.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You know they stake out the revolt headquarters too right?

GERALD DANIELS

Then wear a disguise. That would solve both problems!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

For someone who doesn’t have to stick his neck out, you sure have a cavalier attitude.

SOUND: WHEELCHAIR MOVING GERALD DANIELS

That’s not fair.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m sorry, you’re right. But I’m not much good to anyone if they kill me Gerald and I genuinely suck as a spy. This isn’t my thing.

GERALD DANIELS

I know Jonas, I’m sorry to pressure you. I know you’re not a fan of the revolt. But meeting with them is important. Dr. Cercov is alive Jonas, and they have her right now.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I know.

GERALD DANIELS

From what they tell me, she’s not in great condition, so you need to talk to her before it’s too late.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(HEAVY SIGH)

Fine. I’ll try your stupid disguise idea.

GERALD DANIELS

Be glad you’re meeting with them, I’ve been summoned to go in front of the council this afternoon.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

For what?

GERALD DANIELS

I have no idea, they won’t tell me. They said it’s sensitive on a need-to-know basis.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That doesn’t sound good.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

SOUND: DOOR OPENING, WHEELCHAIR MOVING, BACKGROUND CHATTER COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Oh! Dr. Daniels, please just wait over there one moment while we finish some council business.

GERALD DANIELS

Sure.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Now, just to wrap this up... Yes! Council Seat Conway, you mentioned births?

COUNCIL SEAT CONWAY

Yes, there were 6 births over the last month and a half.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

That’s up from 3 compared to the last cycle. That sounds like progress!

COUNCIL SEAT DAVIS

Yes, but only 4 survived. 3 boys and 1 girl.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

The girl will obviously be sent off to be raised by the breeders. How many girls is that now over the past 6 months?

COUNCIL SEAT DAVIS

5 total, but one of them died recently.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

That’s a shame. Oh well, we’ll keep trying!

COUNCIL SEAT DAVIS

And for the boys?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

How many again?

COUNCIL SEAT CONWAY

3 total.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Purge 1 and send the other 2 to be raised for the labor force.

GERALD DANIELS

(UNDER HIS BREATH)

Barbarians.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

I’m sorry, did you have a comment Dr. Daniels?

GERALD DANIELS

Me? No, sorry, I was just clearing my throat.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Fine. Is that all Council Seat Conway?

COUNCIL SEAT CONWAY

That’s the conclusion to my report, thank you Council Seat Harris. Thoughts and prayers.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Thoughts and prayers. Onto other business. Dr. Daniels, please park yourself up here.

SOUND: WHEELCHAIR MOVING GERALD DANIELS

How can I serve the council today?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We have another project for you. We’d like Dr. Aldridge to continue working on the uranium project; you’ll rejoin him after you’re finished with a different task. How is that going by the way?

GERALD DANIELS

We’ve been making some progress from an energy standpoint but I’m afraid weaponizing it is presenting different challenges.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

I’m sorry to hear that, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. As for you Dr. Daniels we’d like you to begin work on developing a poison gas.

GERALD DANIELS

A poison gas? For what purpose?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

There’s an infestation problem in the lower tiers and it’s growing so we need to eradicate it quickly.

GERALD DANIELS

But what about the people that live there?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

This problem is located in the tiers that are no longer inhabited, for the most part.

GERALD DANIELS

For the most part? Will those areas be evacuated too?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

No need to concern yourself over council policies Dr. Daniels.

GERALD DANIELS

So this gas is supposed to do what?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Kill vermin of course. We’ll provide whatever materials and resources you’ll need.

GERALD DANIELS

How much of this gas do you need and how will it be distributed?

SOUND: MUMBLING SOUND AS THEY DELIBERATE COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

It will be delivered via the air ducts.

GERALD DANIELS

Air ducts? What about sealing off...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We estimate we’ll need enough gas to cover 100 tiers.

GERALD DANIELS

100 tiers? Do you have any idea how much that is?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

That’s part of your job now Dr. Daniels.

GERALD DANIELS

How soon do you need this?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

As soon as possible. This is a priority.

GERALD DANIELS

Fine.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Wonderful. If you have no further questions, that will be all. Thoughts and prayers.

SOUND: WHEELCHAIR MOVING, HEAVY DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING, TRANSITION SOUND

REVOLT HEADQUARTERS

ALTON FYSK

That’s quite a disguise Mrs. Aldridge.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Very funny, where is she?

ALTON FYSK

Back here.

SOUND: WALKING JONAS ALDRIDGE

How’s she doing?

ALTON FYSK

The injuries she’s suffered, are, very bad. She was attacked by a number of them.

SOUND: WALKING, DOOR OPENING, DOOR CLOSING, A FEW MORE STEPS

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Oliska?

OLISKA CERCOV

(WEAKLY)

Jonas, so good to see you. Please sit down. I don’t have much time.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What happened to you?

OLISKA CERCOV

That’s not important. What is important is that you understand what’s going on in the tiers below Jonas. It’s become hell. There’s been a virus outbreak, we have no idea how it started.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We?

OLISKA CERCOV

I had 2 colleagues I was working with trying to address the illnesses that seemed to be springing up. They’re

(MORE)

OLISKA CERCOV (cont’d)

both dead. Then the virus showed up and took them. I’m lucky it avoided me...

(ALMOST TO HERSELF)

...but still I land on the end of the road myself, the irony.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Oliska? Are you ok?

OLISKA CERCOV

The virus emerged from out of nowhere Jonas, there was no cause we could trace it to. We couldn’t find a patient zero no matter how deep we investigated.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

How could it just spring up like that? It was destroyed.

OLISKA CERCOV

So we thought too. We were just beginning to examine the possibility of foul play when our own circumstances became dire.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Foul play? How?

OLISKA CERCOV

We think it may have been planted on the populace somehow.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Who?

OLISKA CERCOV

Who comes to mind first?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

But why would they do that? What could they hope to gain? They’re always complaining about not having enough workers to tap into. They also have their own cult followers living there.

OLISKA CERCOV

Yes, but all those lower tiers are a drain on the colony’s resources. Maybe the scales have tipped and they feel eliminating the lower tiers is worth the sacrifice.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Especially since they control births now and can just designate laborers when the boys are born.

OLISKA CERCOV

Exactly. Why drain the resources of the children they control for a bunch of dirty, unruly lower tier dwellers. And while their worshippers are not great in number, they are great in voice and have an undying loyalty no matter how poorly the council treats them. They’ll starve to death and happily die for the council while the council laughs at them and drinks wine.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Oh my god.

OLISKA CERCOV

The virus is out of control down Jonas. People are murdering each other. There’s also very little food so incidents of cannibalism were being reported. The infrastructure’s fallen apart too. The drainage system doesn’t work and there’s no electricity on most of the tiers below 250. The smell is over powering and everyone is breathing noxious gas.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Is there no way up or out?

OLISKA CERCOV

Some people made it up but they sealed off all the lifts, ladders, and access to the higher levels just after I was rescued. We barely made it out in time. From what I understand, it took them days to bring me up here, I was unconscious for most of it.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I can’t believe the council is doing this.

ALTON FYSK

Believe it. This, this is why we fight Jonas!

OLISKA CERCOV

Please, you have to find a way to help those poor people.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m doing what I can Oliska.

OLISKA CERCOV

Jonas, there are families below, children. What is happening to them, it’s horrific. And the damn council turn their backs and couldn’t be less interested.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’ll make a plea to them, maybe I can can get them to...

ALTON FYSK

(CUTTING JONAS OFF)

Don’t bother finishing that sentence, you already know it’s bullshit.

OLISKA CERCOV

I’m sorry, I’m so tired.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It’s ok Oliska, get some sleep, I’ll check back on you again soon. Thank you for everything.

SOUND: WALKING, DOOR OPENING, DOOR CLOSING, WALKING THEN PAUSE

ALTON FYSK

Jonas, I know about the mission to the space station, Daniels mentioned it.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

And?

ALTON FYSK

And why are you taking supplies up there when we clearly need them down here?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Because it’s mandated by the council, I have a job to do.

ALTON FYSK

Didn’t you hear a word she just said? Those supplies could go to the people who need them in the lower tiers, instead they’re being used for political gain!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You might want to remember that they sealed off the lower tiers! Who would need those supplies now?

ALTON FYSK

That’s cold man. And you know what? You have no clue what’s going on down there. It starts turning into a shit show once you get below about tier 125. But you wouldn’t know that, would you? Your candy ass has never made it past 50 I bet.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

There’s more to this supply mission than you know. There are bigger stakes at hand.

ALTON FYSK

You mean the Colony’s relationship with the all mighty space station? Our last bastion of hope for humanity?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

There’s more than that. That’s not what this is about.

ALTON FYSK

Enlighten me.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

No. This mission is none of your concern.

ALTON FYSK

Well, I’ve made it my concern now.

SOUND: WALKING, A MINOR STRUGGLE JONAS ALDRIDGE

Get out of my way.

ALTON FYSK

Those supplies belong down here, that’s where they should stay.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I said, get out of my way.

ALTON FYSK

Last chance, you should really reconsider.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I won’t ask again.

ALTON FYSK

Alright Jonas, have it your way.

SOUND: WALKING, DOOR OPENING AND THEN SLAMMING SHUT, TRANSITION SOUND, INDUSTRIAL SOUNDS, MACHINERY, VARIOUS CHATTER, STEAM VENTS, ETC.

TIER 1, DOCKING BAY 13

JONAS ALDRIDGE

So you have the ship weighted as we discussed with the approved cargo load but along with the extra buffer amount too, right?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yes, will you please stop asking me questions Mr. Control Freak. This is the third time you’ve asked me these same questions.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Ok, ok, I’m just making sure you’re...

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I know, safe and prepared. Will you please go to the control room so I can board and get this thing in the air for the test run?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sure, sorry.

SOUND: WALKING ON METAL GRATING, HEAVY DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING, METAL HATCH SLIDING SHUT

DOCKING BAY 13 CONTROL ROOM

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Ok, we’re situated in here Nova, are you on coms?

SOUND: MIC FUMBLING AND ADJUSTING, FEEDBACK, STATIC CLEARING UP

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(OVER SPEAKER ON A MIC)

Yep, just got myself situated. Ready for systems check.

SOUND: SOUNDS OF BUTTONS AND SWITCHES BEING PUSHED IN THE BACKGROUND

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’ve been given thumbs up for the system check here.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Great. Ok, starting secondary engines for warmup. Checking backup flight systems. Check. Checking navigational systems...Check. Checking power storage and distribution...Check. Loading cryogenic propellants into the PRSD. Check. Cabin vent valves are closed.

Starting main engine.

SOUND: ENGINE STARTING CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1

The control room has taken manual control of the flight deck platform braces. Preparing to unlock on your mark.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Ok, preparing to release launch pad locks.

SOUND: LOUD CLUNK SOUND, ENGINE SOUNDS NOVA BAYFLOWER

Released. Preparing for main ignition.

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1

Ready to open docking bay dome.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Open the dome.

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1

Dome opening.

SOUND: LARGE METAL DOME OPENING, ENGINE SOUNDS NOVA BAYFLOWER

Countdown commencing. Release deck braces on my mark.

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1

Deck is clear, you may commence with main engine ignition.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Main engine ignition is a go.

SOUND: ROARING ENGINE SOUNDS NOVA BAYFLOWER

Countdown in: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, RELEASE DECK BRACES...

SOUND: ROARING ENGINE SOUNDS, CLUNK SOUND NOVA BAYFLOWER

...4, 3, 2, 1. LIFT OFF!

SOUND: ROARING SOUND, SHUTTLE LIFTING OFF NOVA BAYFLOWER

Ok, we have lift off! Woohoo! Am beyond the dome and accelerating.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That’s great Nova! Congratulations!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I’m going to focus on getting her to the test altitude. I’ll stay on coms and will check in when I level her off.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You’re doing great.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

For a ship that hasn’t been flown for 3 years, she’s a pretty smooth ride.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SHUTTLE ENGINES FROM INSIDE SHUTTLE

COLONY CARGO SHUTTLE

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Ok, so far your systems are doing fine, coming up on our altitude. Ok, let’s just take it slow and level you off nice and easy.

(SOUNDING MORE RELIEVED)

Wow, I forgot what the stars look like up here. I got you, nice and even, beautiful horizon. Ok, let’s do a systems check. Main engine hydrogen burnoff looks good. Cabin vent valves are sealed and holding. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen levels and flow are good.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(OVER SHUTTLE SPEAKER)

How are things looking Nova?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I’m doing a systems check now and everything is looking good, 5 by 5 my friend.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That’s great! What does that mean anyway? 5 by 5?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Oh, well it means that...

SOUND: METAL FLAPPING, SHAKING SOUNDS, WARNING SIREN NOVA BAYFLOWER

Dammit! I spoke too soon!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What’s wrong?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I don’t know, something with one of the flaps suddenly!

SOUND: ENGINE ROARING, METAL SHAKING, WARNING SIREN LOUDER JONAS ALDRIDGE

(CUTTING IN AND OUT)

Nova? Nova!! I can’t... Hear you...Any...

SOUND: ENGINE ROARING, METAL SHAKING, WARNING SIREN LOUDER SOUND: THEME MUSIC

END OF EPISODE 7