VOID PODCAST EPISODE 8

Episode 8: UNDERGROUND COLONY

Previously on Void, Jonas has discovered that things on the lower tiers are much worse than they thought with outbreaks of violence and the tiers being sealed off so noone can escape. Gerald Daniels was summoned in front of the council and given the new assignment of creating a poison gas that he fears will be put to nefarious uses. And at the end of the last episode Nova Bayflower found herself in dire circumstances as the test flight of the space shuttle she’s piloting has spun out of control.

DOCKING BAY 13 CONTROL ROOM SOUND: STATIC SOUNDS CRACKLING OVER A SPEAKER

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(INTERMITTENTLY)

Jonas...cutting out...lost power, control of...ship is...spinning...steering is...

SOUND: CONSTANT STATIC JONAS ALDRIDGE

Dammit! Can’t you get these coms working?

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1

We’re doing our best Dr. Aldridge. The interference is coming from her side, not from here so there’s not much we can do.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Can you track where she is?

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1

She was just cracking the thermosphere when we started losing contact. Our equipment isn’t exactly up to the old NASA standards.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What can we do from here?

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1

Wait.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, METAL SHAKING AND RATTLING, ENGINE SOUNDS, STATIC, WARNING SIRENS

COLONY CARGO SHUTTLE

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Jonas? Jonas? Son of a bitch! Ok Nova, you got this. Have to level this bird off. Switching to artificial horizon stabilizers.

SOUND: BUTTON PUSHING AND FLIPPING OF SWITCHES, METAL SHAKING, ENGINES, WARNING SIRENS SOUNDING THEN STOP

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Thank the goddess for that. Ok, she’s still steering like a brick. There’s something wrong with the... It looks like the main rudders are fine. But the body flap is...Stuck? What the hell? Why is this not responding? Strata - run diagnostic check on rear body flap.

VOICE: RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS NOW, DEVICE UNRESPONSIVE NOVA BAYFLOWER

That’s just great. Strata - distribute all rear

navigational auxiliary power to rear elevons. VOICE: DISTRIBUTING AUXILIARY POWER TO REAR ELEVONS

SOUND: METAL SHAKING SLOWING DOWN THEN CEASING, ENGINES IN THE BACKGROUND

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(LETTING OUT A BREATH AS IF FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AWHILE)

Whew. That’s much better. Now that she’s back to being calm again, let’s get us home.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, STATIC, THEN CLEARING

DOCKING BAY 13 CONTROL ROOM

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(ON SPEAKER, WITH STATIC THEN CLEARING)

Jonas? Jonas?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Nova! There you are! Are you ok?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yeah, had a close call but got everything under control. Bringing her back in.

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1

Not to worry Ms. Bayflower, we have you back on coms and on our scopes. We can see you now and are preparing to bring you back in.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Sounds good, see you soon.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, RUNNING ON METAL GRATING, METAL HATCH SLIDING OPEN, STEAM VENT SOUNDS, ENGINES WINDING DOWN, WALKING

TIER 1, DOCKING BAY 13

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Nova! Glad you’re ok.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(TAKING OFF PIECES OF GEAR)

Thanks, I’m glad too.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What happened?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I’m not sure. One moment she was flying smooth, the next I lost the rear body flap and it sent the whole thing into a spin.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I thought you did a full systems check?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I did, 3 times in fact. Twice before the test and the morning of.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What about this afternoon before takeoff?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

No we ran basic diagnostics only because we did the full run 3 times already!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You should’ve done it again, I told you to be careful!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(ESCALATING)

Don’t lecture me about how to do my job Jonas! I did everything by the books!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Then tell me what caused the problem!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I don’t know!!

SOUND: NUMEROUS FOOTSTEPS ACROSS METAL GRATES, FOOTSTEPS STOP IN UNISON

SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1

Dr. Aldridge and Ms. Bayflower, please come with us, the council would like a word.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HEAVY DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING, WALKING THEN STOPPING

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Dr. Aldridge and Ms. Bayflower, please be seated.

SOUND: CHAIR SOUNDS COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Now then, we’d like an explanation as to what went wrong with the test flight for the supply mission to the station. Dr. Aldridge, since you’re overseeing this, please, if you would...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Word travels fast Council Seat Harris.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Indeed it does. Doctor, you do understand how important this mission is don’t you?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

More than you know.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

I’m sure you flatter yourself that way Dr. Aldridge but let me stress once again that our relationship with the space station is our relationship to the future! We put a lot of effort into making that station happen and we will ensure our place as part of it!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I assure you I understand that the future of humanity is involved here.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

This is after all, a council sanctioned mission Dr. Aldridge, who do you think those operators in the control room work for? We keep tabs on everything that concerns our future and those who have a role to play in it.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes, I see. Well, as you have already heard, we achieved launch but there was a problem during the test where navigation was lost briefly. Luckily, Ms.

Bayflower is a skilled pilot and reacted quickly...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS (CUTTING OFF JONAS)

Ah, yes! Skilled pilot, now let me see...

SOUND: PAPERS SHUFFLING COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

So skilled in fact, that she has experience with at least 3 different accidents we just became aware of.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I’m sorry?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

According to a background check we recently issued it appears Ms. Bayflower has a history of other similar incidents.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You’ll have to forgive me Council Seat Harris, I don’t have access to the same level of information that you do. I’m sure Ms. Bayflower has...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS (CUTTING OFF JONAS)

Actually, we would like to hear from Ms. Bayflower. Ms. Bayflower can you please tell us what you did wrong to cause this accident today?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

First, Council Seat Harris, allow me to clarify about the accidents from my past. They were quite some time ago when...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS (CUTTING OFF NOVA)

We prefer to hear about today Ms. Bayflower, no need to try to make excuses for your past, or your present for that matter. We only want the truth about the test today.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We ran the tests as documented. Step by step. The ship was operating as it should have been and then there was a mechanical error of some sort.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

A mechanical error of some sort? If you were in my position Ms. Bayflower, do you think the explanation of "a mechanical error of some sort" would be acceptable?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We haven’t had a chance to run diagnostics since I landed because we were summoned here, so I don’t have the proper...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS (CUTTING OFF NOVA)

Are you implying this is the council’s fault somehow? Be careful Ms. Bayflower, you’re moving in a dangerous direction.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

No, I’m not implying anything like that! But without running diagnostics, I can’t determine what the cause was.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Are you certain it wasn’t operator error?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yes, I’m certain.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Were you drunk Ms. Bayflower? You have a history with alcohol.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

This is out of line!

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS IN UNISON FROM SECURITY MEMBERS STEPPING UP

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We’ll decide what’s out of line Dr. Aldridge, now please remain quiet!

(BRIEF PAUSE)

I ask again! Were you drunk Ms. Bayflower?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

No, Council Seat Harris, I was not under the influence of any substance whatsoever.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

And what proof do you have of the details of this incident?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Only the ship’s logs and what Jonas and the control room heard.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

I have that right here, it says that communications cut off right when the incident occurred. Seems very convenient for you Ms. Bayflower.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Convenient?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Convenient in the sense that you could’ve cut communications to deal with whatever accident you caused with your inebriation!

SOUND: CHAIR SLIDING BACK, STANDING UP NOVA BAYFLOWER

I resent that! I couldn’t worry about coms because I

was busy wrestling with a ship that was spinning out of control! How was any of this convenient?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Calm down Ms Bayflower! I wouldn’t want to have you taken away for reconditioning; it would be a shame to have to replace you this late in the mission.

SOUND: CHAIR SLIDING BACK INTO PLACE NOVA BAYFLOWER

(CALMING DOWN)

You can check the ship logs, I recorded audio of everything I was doing moment by moment.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

We’ll do just that Ms. Bayflower; as long as your story checks out you’ll continue as pilot.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

And if my story conveniently doesn’t check out?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

You’re excused Ms. Bayflower. You remain Dr. Aldridge, we have further business to discuss.

SOUND: CHAIR SLIDING, WALKING, HEAVY DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Now then. Dr. Aldridge, we’ll be examining this shuttle matter ourselves. Should we find the results unsatisfactory, Ms. Bayflower will be removed and we will assign a new pilot as well as place Dr. Daniels in charge of yet another project on your behalf, is that clear?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes Council Seat Harris.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

What is the status of the uranium project?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We’ve been able to harness some energy from it and produce some electricity.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

How much electricity?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Enough to power the full level of a tier.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

That’s all?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We’re taking it slow. This material is really unstable and we’re not equipped to handle this properly, if we just had...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

(CUTTING OFF JONAS, ANGRY)

We don’t want excuses Dr. Aldridge! We want results! This substance is supposed to power our ENTIRE colony, as well as our transportation and our weapons! And you’re telling me all we can power is a single tier level?!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Council Seat Harris, with all due respect, this isn’t like burning oil, we could cause a massive explosion and release radiation that would...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS (CUTTING OFF JONAS)

Dr. Aldridge, I’m beginning to wonder if you’re really the best person for these assignments we’ve been giving you. Your use is becoming a question. And if you’re of no use to us...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(SOME SARCASM)

I’m sorry if the council is displeased with my results. I will endeavor to improve wherever I can.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

See that you do Dr. Aldridge. We don’t have a high level of patience for inadequate results and I have to say you’re very much testing that level right now. That will be all, I suggest you get to work.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Thoughts and prayers?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Don’t push your luck any further Dr. Aldridge.

SOUND: SEAT MOVING, WALKING, HEAVY DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Colonel Harlow.

SOUND: STEPPING FORWARD COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

Yes Council Seat Harris, how may I serve the council?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

It would appear that Dr. Aldridge is becoming more and more of a problem. Should there be any more evidence of suspicious activities you may act as you see fit. I’m afraid Dr. Aldridge’s usefulness may be coming to an end.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

Very good, thank you.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

As for...

SOUND: LARGE EXPLOSION IN THE BACKGROUND, EARTH SHIFTING, DUST FALLING

(BRIEF PAUSE) COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

What just happened? Somebody tell me what just...

SOUND: HEAVY DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING, RUNNING, PAPER SHUFFLING

(BRIEF PAUSE)

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

What is it Colonel Harlow?

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

One of my agents received this.

SOUND: WALKING, HANDING OF PAPER DOCUMENT

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

What is this?

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

The revolt. That explosion we just heard? That was an attack on our power station, they’re trying to take down the power on this tier. That document is their manifesto.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

The arrogance, how dare they attack us again! I’m not reading this garbage, I won’t allow them to justify their acts of terrorism! Enough is enough. There’s no need to merely observe any more my dear Colonel, you may move forward and start the process of rounding these vermin up for proper justice. I want Alton Fysk to answer for the revolt’s crimes.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

What level of engagement does the council approve of?

SOUND: MUTTERING SOUNDS COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

You may employ whatever techniques you think are necessary Colonel Harlow, we leave it to your discretion.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

Thank you Council Seat Harris. I look forward to fulfilling my duties in service to you and the council.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Thoughts and prayers Colonel.

COLONEL MERCY HARLOW

Thoughts and prayers to you and all the council members.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING

JONAS ALDRIDGE RESIDENCE

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I see you started drinking earlier than usual today.

GERALD DANIELS

(DRUNK)

What’s it to you?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You’re drinking a lot Gerald, even for you. You should probably take it down a notch.

GERALD DANIELS

You’re not my mother Jonas, I can take care of myself.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You mean the way you took care of yourself when I found you face down on the floor passed out a couple nights ago?

GERALD DANIELS

With the day I had, you’d be drinking too. You know what those bastards asked me to do? They asked me to develop a poison gas Jonas.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

To be used for what?

GERALD DANIELS

The council claims it’s for a vermin problem but that’s bullshit. With the amount they want, there’s no way this is for vermin.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

They’re going to gas the populations on the lower tiers.

GERALD DANIELS

Yes. I believe so too.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

They tried to wipe them out with the virus, I guess they’re attempting to speed up the process.

GERALD DANIELS

What do you mean?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

When I spoke to Oliska, she came to the conclusion that the council planted the virus in the lower levels to eradicate the population because of their drain on colony resources.

GERALD DANIELS

Those deplorable scumbags! And now they want me to help finish them off! I won’t do it Jonas! There are entire families down there!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

This whole thing keeps getting worse Gerald. They were pushing me pretty hard on the uranium project, they want power that we just can’t be responsible for giving them.

GERALD DANIELS

We couldn’t deliver that kind of power to them even if we wanted to.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It may not matter much for me anyway, they’re about ready to toss me to the side and put you in charge of everything.

GERALD DANIELS

Well, that’s understandable, I was always better looking and smarter than you.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Laugh it up smart ass. There’s another problem. The test flight with Nova had a minor malfunction that’s causing the council to question both Nova and myself.

GERALD DANIELS

Oh? That’s troublesome.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

The malfunction was mechanical as far as we know. Nova managed to get the ship under control after she had a bit of scare. They’re blaming her for the problem and me for bringing a pilot on board with a troubled past.

GERALD DANIELS

I’m really glad to hear everything worked out ok.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I guess if you consider everything I just told you as ok that’s true. You don’t seem very surprised by all of this Gerald.

GERALD DANIELS

What? Me? No, that’s, why, that’s terrible. Is Nova ok?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

She’s fine. You know more Gerald, don’t try to lie to me, I know when you’re hiding something. Spill it Gerald! What do you know about that test flight?

(BRIEF PAUSE) GERALD DANIELS

Ok, look, they never meant to hurt her or put her in

any real danger.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Who??

GERALD DANIELS

(PAUSE AGAIN)

I’m sorry Jonas, but the revolt was responsible for the sabotage.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sabotage?! The revolt sabotaged the ship? To what end?

GERALD DANIELS

They feel strongly about supplies going to the colony rather than being used for political gain. They never meant to put anyone in danger.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Are you nuts? That whole incident could’ve killed Nova! Not to mention the council is ready to exile me for incompetence and you’re telling me they never meant to put anyone in danger! What the hell is wrong with you?

GERALD DANIELS

There are issues bigger than us Jonas, we all have to make sacrifices.

SOUND: WHEELCHAIR SOUNDS JONAS ALDRIDGE

It’s one thing if your sacrifices are by choice, it’s

quite a different thing if you’re making a sacrifice unknowingly based on someone else’s decisions. I’m sick of hearing the excuse of "collateral damage" coming from the revolt.

GERALD DANIELS

The revolt is trying to do what they think is best to get out from under the tyrannical rule of the council for the sake of the colony’s future.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That future won’t matter much if the planetary conditions continue to worsen as the Earth tries to kill us. I’m working on trying to find a new home for the human race, don’t lecture me on the bigger issues Gerald. The revolt has their own agenda, they have no idea what we’re actually trying to achieve with that mission.

GERALD DANIELS

Perhaps it’s time to let them in on the plan.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Why? So they can continue to not see past the nose on their own faces and try to convince me to keep all my efforts on a dying planet so they can look like heroes to the lower tiers?

GERALD DANIELS

I’m just saying you should talk to Fysk and get to know him better. You’re both fighting for the same side.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

The only thing I have any interest in is punching Fysk in the face for his tampering and nearly getting Nova killed. I might get a chance to do that anyway, I need to go visit Oliska again so I can get some more details from her about the lower tiers.

GERALD DANIELS

I’m afraid you won’t be able to do that.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Why not?

GERALD DANIELS

I received a message from Fysk just before you arrived. Dr Cercov is dead.

SOUND: THEME MUSIC END OF EPISODE 8