Copyright ©2020 VOID PODCAST LLC
NARRATOR:
On the last episode of Void, Gerald was visited by Colonel Harlow who worked to intimidate him in an effort to get the uranium project finished. Nova admitted to Gerald that she didn't have as much flying experience as she had professed. After a long discussion, the leader of the Cavers and Mother joined forces with Jonas to help him with his mission. Council Seat Harris gave permission to Colonel Harlow to take Gerald in for conditioning. All this, leading to Episode 12 and our season one finale of VOID.
SOUND: RUSTLING SOMEONE AWAKE FROM THEIR SLEEP
CAVER #1
Dr. Jonas? Time for you to wake up.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh? Oh. Ok, thanks.
CAVER #1
We have some food and water for you. Mother would like you to join her before you leave.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes, of course. Thank you, just let me gather my things.
SOUND: THINGS RUSTLING AND BEING GATHERED, WALKING CAVER #1
Follow me, please.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sure.
SOUND: WALKING CONTINUED JONAS ALDRIDGE
So how long have you...
CAVER #1
Shhh! Please be silent, Dr. Jonas. Our tribe is finishing a ceremony. We need not disrupt it with outside noise.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(whispering)
Sorry; you can just call me Jonas.
SOUND: WALKING, PACE SLOWING, STOPPING, MEDITATIVE LOW CHANT "OHHM-LIKE" SOUND, DOOR SLOWLY OPENING, CHANT GETTING LOUDER, SLOW WALKING, THEN STOPPING, DOOR SLOWLY CLOSING
CAVER #1
(whispering) We'll wait here.
SOUND: CHANT SOUND LOWERING THEN SLOWLY STOPPING MOTHER
...And on this day, we welcome you, our brother Dravius, who we celebrate today as he turns 16
and is now recognized as a man of the tribe. You may take your place beside your mother and your father as an official member of the tribal order. The ordeal will take place in one week. I suggest you begin preparing yourself immediately. This ceremony is now concluded.
SOUND: PEOPLE MUTTERING, WALKING CAVER #1
Mother, I present to you...
MOTHER
Yes, I can see him... thank you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And I thought the council was formal.
MOTHER
I'm afraid your jokes are wasted on me, Dr. Aldridge. I don't have much of a sense of humor.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
The quality of my jokes doesn't help either; I'm afraid. You're welcome to call me Jonas.
MOTHER
Very well. Jonas, please take a seat and eat with me. SOUND: WALKING, SITTING ON GROUND PAD SOUNDS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thank you, I'm really hungry. I haven't eaten since I left the colony. SOUND: FOOD BEING EATEN
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I'm fascinated by how you all live down here. Where in the world did you get fresh fruit like this? I haven't seen cherries in forever. And this other berry... is...
MOTHER
Gooseberries. We work with plants that don't require much sunlight. We have our own versions of a window built into certain areas of the caves to let in sunlight to flood various chambers for plant growth.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Brilliant! And what is this bread made from?
MOTHER
Cauliflower.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Your water here is so fresh, too. I'm amazed...
MOTHER
Perhaps we should diverge from this culinary discussion to talk about more pressing concerns.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sorry, living off of protein paste really makes you appreciate food like this. Yes, you're right. I was wondering about something you said at the end of the ceremony. You mentioned to that boy, something about an ordeal?
MOTHER
He's a man now, Jonas. I was welcoming him into the tribe and preparing him for the final initiation that will prove where his strengths lie determining his future contributions to the community. However, that was not what I was referring to. I was more interested in your departure plans for today.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh, right. The shuttle launch is late this afternoon, so I was planning on leaving here soon to start hiking back. Once I get there, my friends left a hatch unlocked for me to sneak back into. When I'm in, I'll have to find a way to get onto the shuttle.
MOTHER
From there?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We head to the space station and start to find a crew.
MOTHER
The station doesn't breed a lot of selfless people, to my understanding.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I've heard as much, too. I'll have to cross that bridge when I come to it.
MOTHER
You have your work cut out for you, Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I really don't know any other way. If I did, that's what I'd be doing instead.
MOTHER
So be it. We will aid you getting back. Our involvement ends there. There are some underground paths we've created that will get you closer to the colony without having to walk the surface the whole time.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That would be greatly appreciated.
MOTHER
First, let's finish our meal together and continue our conversation.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I have so many more questions for you...
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, DOOR KNOCKING, DOOR OPENING, WALKING THEN STOPPING
GERALD DANIELS
(in the middle of a conversation)
Are you sure about this? Was the vote recounted as I asked?
SOUND: VOICE ON THE OTHER END OF A COMMUNICATOR CONFIRMING
GERALD DANIELS
Very well, I'll issue a statement this evening after the launch. (brief pause)
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Is everything ok?
GERALD DANIELS
Not really, I've been elected the new revolt leader. They want me to replace Alton Fysk.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Gerald, are you sure about this? With the council's attention and Harlow all over you, maybe this isn't the best time for that title.
GERALD DANIELS
I didn't want it. They held a vote with the current members they could find. There were 2 of us in the running and, unfortunately, it wasn't close. Otherwise, I would've disputed it. I had them count it 3 times.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
But with this launch, the uranium thing, and whatever that bitch has in mind, couldn't you just say no?
GERALD DANIELS
I tried, it was the first word out of my mouth. They pleaded with me. They have no other leadership... No one that the members truly believe in...Except for me. My connection to the council is part of it since I'm somewhat of an insider. The revolt also has an interest in the uranium.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Gerald, are you sure that's...
GERALD DANIELS
I know, I know! But this is where I am now, Nova - stuck between 2 forces that I want nothing to do with but cannot avoid all the same. I don't have the luxury of escaping to the station, as you can see.
SOUND: WHEELCHAIR MOVING, BOTTLE OPENING, LIQUOR POURING, DRINKING NOVA BAYFLOWER
Thanks.
GERALD DANIELS
I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I just, I didn't want any of this.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I know you didn't mean it. But that is why I stopped by, to update you on the mission. The ship is prepped and ready to go. The cargo has been loaded.
GERALD DANIELS
To the exact capacity I'm assuming with the correct ratio left over for the additional cargo we discussed?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yes. We have about 6 more hours until launch. I hope the rest of the cargo gets loaded on time.
GERALD DANIELS
Me too. And what about the mission's pilot? How is she feeling? Did you sleep?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
No, I didn't. I was up all night with the simulator practicing the docking procedure and flying in the thermosphere.
GERALD DANIELS
Maybe you should try to grab some sack time.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yeah, that's a good idea, probably. I'm kind of exhausted. (brief pause)
Would you mind if I crashed here? I really don't have anyone to hang out with, and I don't know when I'll just be able to relax on Earth again. I have no idea what deep space is like, Gerald. I'm a little freaked out. I've never left the colony like this, much less the planet.
GERALD DANIELS
It's ok. Yes, you can stay. SOUND: LIQUID POURING
GERALD DANIELS
Here, drink this, it will help you sleep. You can take Jonas' bed; it's through there. I'll wake you early enough so you have time to prep.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Thanks, Gerald. I'm grateful I get to spend this time with you. You know - You're a real friend.
GERALD DANIELS
You're a good friend too, Nova. I'm glad we've had this time together. I don't have very many real friends left.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, WALKING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And you've been able to detoxify water using salt and then desalinate it to make it drinkable?
MOTHER
Precisely.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Wow, I'm amazed by the ingenuity of your life here. It makes the colony look primitive in many ways.
MOTHER
It's a shame we couldn't work together, but then again the council doesn't seem very interested in coordinating with anyone other than themselves.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes, unfortunately, that is very much the case. The council cares about taking care of the council, that's about it. The only time they care about something is when it affects them directly. Outside of that they don't give a damn about anyone else.
MOTHER
I'm glad to know that people like you are out there, Jonas... people that actually care about things beyond themselves.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Likewise, Mother.
SOUND: WALKING, 2 DOGS BARKING, STOPPING JONAS ALDRIDGE
Wow, that dog has 2 heads.
MOTHER
Yes, he does. A number of our animals here have been exposed to varying levels of radiation and some were mutated, unfortunately. However, one benefit is that a two-headed dog makes for a great guard.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I can see that. Does each head have a name?
MOTHER
Yes, this one is Holmes; and this is Watson. SOUND: DOGS BREATHING, WHINING A LITTLE
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Nice.
MOTHER
And this is where I leave you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I can't thank you enough for your help and your hospitality, Mother. It's been an honor meeting you.
MOTHER
The pleasure is mine. I understand the gravity of your mission now. We wish you godspeed and the best of luck in your efforts to finding a new home for all of us. Goodbye, Jonas, I hope our paths cross again.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So do I... goodbye, Mother.
GERALD DANIELS
Nova? Hey, it's time to wake up.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Oh, wow, how long was I asleep?
GERALD DANIELS
About 4 hours. You've got plenty of time to get ready for the launch.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Thanks. Did you hear from Jo-... I mean, did you hear anything about the extra cargo?
GERALD DANIELS
I'm afraid not, no.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Oh, I see.
GERALD DANIELS
I did, however, get a message across the network from the council.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I can't imagine this is good news.
GERALD DANIELS
It seems that Colonel Harlow is now overseeing the launch in terms of our security.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Shit.
GERALD DANIELS
Extra guards have been posted to prevent sabotage from the revolt.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Things are not looking good for our spare cargo; are they?
GERALD DANIELS
No, they're not.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, EXTREMELY HIGH WINDS, DEBRIS BLOWING AROUND AND SMASHING, STUMBLING SOUNDS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(out of breath, wearing a helmet)
Dammit! This is too much. I'm getting nowhere... I have to get out of this!
SOUND: HIGH WINDS, DEBRIS, STUMBLING CONT. DOOR OPENING, AND CLOSING, THINGS SLAMMING AROUND
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(catching his breath)
Ok, ok. Wooooo... At the rate I'm going, if this wind doesn't die down, I'm never going to make it. I have to try Gerald.
SOUND: WIND AND DEBRIS SOUNDS IN THE BACKGROUND, FUMBLING INSIDE A BAG JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh no, the communicator. No signal, no power. Nothing. I am so screwed. Alright. I have to
assume that the launch is happening no matter what and I just need to get there. I have to wait out this wind and then try to make up as much time as I can.
SOUND: WIND SPEED INCREASING, MORE DEBRIS IN THE BACKGROUND, TRANSITION SOUND, PACKING, CASES BEING CLOSED, COMMUNICATOR ALERT
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Gerald?
GERALD DANIELS
(over communicator) Hey, Nova.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Did you hear anything about...
GERALD DANIELS
No. I'm sorry.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
So I guess this is going to just be a supply run.
GERALD DANIELS
It's looking that way. How are you doing?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I'm multitasking. Which means I'm packing up my place, packing up my things to take on the shuttle, freaking out about going up there, and trying to not cry and lose my mind all at the same time.
GERALD DANIELS
Wow. And I was really concerned about how my breath smells, but that doesn't seem so important at the moment.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(laughing a little)
Thanks for that. I'm moving forward with the plan as discussed. I want you to know I still have faith.
GERALD DANIELS
I'm glad one of us does. Hey, I'm getting close to the control room, I have to sign off. From here on out we'll be on council communications so we have to be on the level the whole time, ok?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I know. Thanks again for everything, Gerald. I’m gonna miss you.
GERALD DANIELS
Same here. Thank you, Nova. I'll be on coms whenever you're ready.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH OPENING AND CLOSING, WHEELCHAIR MOVING, BACKGROUND CHATTER
Ah, Dr. Daniels, so nice of you to join us for the launch. I believe you were supposed to be here
about 10 minutes ago; weren't you?
GERALD DANIELS
Before you start quoting scripture, let me remind you that your job here is security only. I'm in charge of this launch as appointed by the council. So if you have a problem with my tardiness, you're free to report to the council whatever you like. But please, stand in the corner, be quiet, and let me do my work.
SOUND: WHEELCHAIR MOVING, CHATTER SETTLES DOWN AFTER EXCHANGE WITH HARLOW
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Dr. Daniels, we've run diagnostics as instructed and everything is fine. The ship has been fueled as well.
GERALD DANIELS
Glad to hear that.
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
We did find an anomaly though.
GERALD DANIELS
Oh?
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Yes, it seems not all the weight was accounted for.
GERALD DANIELS
What do you mean?
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Meaning that we had spare room in terms of weight.
GERALD DANIELS
Had?
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Well, yes. Once we discovered the weight was light, we added some additional cargo to fill the space.
GERALD DANIELS
I see.
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Thought you should know.
GERALD DANIELS
Yes, thank you, well done.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, WIND SOUNDS, HATCH OPENING AND CLOSING, WIND SOUNDS IN THE BACKGROUND
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(out of breath)
I don't need this anymore.
SOUND: WIND IN THE BACKGROUND, HELMET BEING TAKEN OFF, RADIATION SUIT UNZIPPING, SHUFFLING AROUND
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That's better. Ok, I still have a shot at this.
SOUND: RUNNING DOWN TUNNEL, WIND DYING DOWN IN THE BACKGROUND UNTIL IT'S NOT HEARD ANYMORE, RUNNING CONTINUED
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(quietly to himself)
Dammit, where did that guard come from? Aw man, how do I... oh, this rock should do the trick.
SOUND: LIGHT FOOTSTEPS, STRUGGLE SOUNDS BRIEFLY, ROCK THUDDING, BODY HITTING THE GROUND
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sorry, buddy, but you're going to have a helluva lump and a headache when you wake up. Oh! And I'm also going to relieve you of this uniform! Perfect!
SOUND: UNZIPPING, CLOTHING SOUNDS, TRANSITION SOUND, INDUSTRIAL SOUNDS OF MACHINERY, WALKING, HATCH OPENING, HATCH CLOSING, SHUFFLING THINGS AROUND, SITTING IN A SEAT
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hello? Nova Bayflower, pilot, checking in.
GERALD DANIELS
(over speaker)
We have you, Nova. Please start initial warm-up sequence whenever you're ready.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Roger. Priming engines...starting engine warm-up.
SOUND: SWITCHES BEING FLIPPED, ENGINE SOUNDS STARTING GERALD DANIELS
Ok. Diagnostics are looking good.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Great.
GERALD DANIELS
Engines are online and looking good as well. We'll have you ready for launch in about 10 minutes.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Thanks.
GERALD DANIELS
(trying to warn Nova)
I wanted to give you an update, Nova. The shuttle has been fully loaded now so the weight has been made up with cargo that was added at the last minute.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
That's great to hear! Thanks for letting me know.
GERALD DANIELS
Yeah, sure. Uh, the weight ratio is the same for the cargo that was added, I just wanted you to know that this cargo was unexpected and added at the last minute.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Of course, I completely understand. Thank you very much for the update.
GERALD DANIELS
Right. Ok. Well, then we should continue with our final checks and prepare for launch.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yes, let's do that.
SOUND: MORE SWITCHES BEING FLIPPED AND BUTTONS PUSHED, TRANSITION SOUND, WALKING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(quietly to himself)
Alright the docks are right around the corner, almost there. Where the hell did all these guards come from? Ok Jonas, act natural.
SOUND: WALKING, MILD CHATTER, WALKING STOPPED JONAS ALDRIDGE
Good day, gentleman.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
Hey, where are you going?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh uh, I was on guard duty on tier 3 and they told me to come here to help with security for the launch.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
I didn't hear anything about that. Who gave the order?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(stumbling a bit)
I, I, don't know. I was just told to come here and report to the dock.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
Who told you specifically to come here?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don't know his name... Tony maybe?
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
Tony? Who the hell is Tony? Do you know who Tony is?
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
I've never heard of him, maybe a new addition?
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
Give me a second to...
SOUND: COMMUNICATOR ALERT SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
What is it?
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
I'm getting a message there was a body found on one of the upper tiers, they're suspecting revolt activity.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
We should probably go see what's going on.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
Alright let's go. You! Get in there, do your job and stay the hell out of the way.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes sir, will do. Thank you.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING AWAY, HATCH OPENING, HATCH CLOSING, WALKING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(to himself)
That was close. Now, I have to find... There it is. Excellent, the guards have cleared the platform. The engines are on so they must be getting close to launch. Now I just have to get over there without being spotted by the control room.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, CHATTER, COMPUTER SOUNDS, WHEELCHAIR MOVING 12. DOCKING BAY 13 CONTROL ROOM
GERALD DANIELS
Countdown is in 3 minutes... Everyone, look sharp! SOUND: WHEELCHAIR MOVING, THEN STOPPING
GERALD DANIELS
Now what is that guard doing on the...? (whispering to himself)
Jonas.
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
I'm sorry, Dr. Daniels? What were you saying?
GERALD DANIELS
Nothing, just thinking out loud.
SOUND: GLASS OF WATER SHATTERING ON THE FLOOR GERALD DANIELS
Oh damn! I just knocked my water over, someone help me clean this up! You! Forget the launch for a second and grab a towel would you? We don't want that water hitting any electronics.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Is there a problem, Dr. Daniels?
GERALD DANIELS
No, Colonel Harlow, I'm just clumsy; please go back to the corner and resume your post.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Very well.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SWITCHES BEING FLIPPED
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Final checks are complete. Ready for... Wait a second.
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
(over speaker)
What's wrong, Ms. Bayflower?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I had a hatch warning briefly, but it looks like it's ok.
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
We didn't see anything on our end.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
It was only a moment... Everything seems fine now. We can continue if Control is ok with that.
GERALD DANIELS
(over speaker)
We're good to go here, Nova. Let's proceed with the launch.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Roger that.
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Commencing with the launch sequence.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SWITCHES BEING FLIPPED, BUTTONS PUSHED, BACKGROUND CHATTER
GERALD DANIELS
Start main and secondary engines.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(over speaker)
Affirmative. Starting secondary engines. Starting main engine. SOUND: ENGINES STARTING
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
We've taken control of the flight deck platform braces. We're ready to unlock on your mark.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Releasing launch pad locks.
SOUND: LOUD CLUNK SOUND, ENGINE SOUNDS FIRING NOVA BAYFLOWER
Released. Preparing for main ignition.
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Opening docking bay dome.
SOUND: LARGE DOME OPENING THEN LATCHED CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Dome is open.
SOUND: ENGINE SOUNDS NOVA BAYFLOWER
Ready for Countdown. Release deck braces on my mark.
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Deck is clear, commence 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
... 3, 2, 1. LIFT OFF!
SOUND: ROARING SOUND, SHUTTLE LIFTING OFF, SHUTTLE ENGINES GERALD DANIELS
We've launched! Woohoo!
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Readings are looking good, Dr. Daniels.
GERALD DANIELS
That's great!
SOUND: BUTTON BEING PUSHED, PEOPLE CLAPPING GERALD DANIELS
Nice work, Nova! We'll be back on coms to check on you shortly.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(over speaker) Roger.
GERALD DANIELS
Great job, everyone!
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
(quietly)
Dr. Daniels, I did have one concern.
GERALD DANIELS
What?
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
I noticed there was a slight weight gain of about 90kg just before the shuttle took off.
GERALD DANIELS
Really? What do you think caused it?
CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
I don’t know, but my concern is about how it's going to affect their flight.
GERALD DANIELS
In what way?
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
(loudly)
Dr. Daniels! It appears the launch is a success. SOUND: WHEELCHAIR MOVING, WALKING
GERALD DANIELS
So far, so good. Yes.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Does that mean your work here is finished?
GERALD DANIELS
I suppose so. I want to be here to check in with Nova as the flight progresses.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
But ultimately the staff can see it out from here, yes?
GERALD DANIELS
I guess.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Excellent. Guards!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS MOVING FORWARD IN UNISON GERALD DANIELS
What's going on, Colonel?
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
The council feels that you and I should have a more intimate discussion regarding your methodologies and establishing where your faith lies. Luckily they've given me permission to take you in for proper conditioning.
GERALD DANIELS
Conditioning?
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Let's just say by the time you're finished with our program, you'll be a new man! Guards, please escort Dr. Daniels to the conditioning center on tier 3. I want to oversee the process myself.
Thoughts and prayers, Dr. Daniels.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS WALKING IN UNISON, WHEELCHAIR SOUNDS, TRANSITION SOUND, BUTTONS BEING PUSHED, SWITCHES FLIPPED, VERY SOFT FOOTSTEPS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hi.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Holy shit!! Jonas?!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yeah, it's me. Sorry about that.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Oh my god! You made it! You're alive; you're ok!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes, to all those things. I had some help along the way, but I made it back just in time.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
The cavers! You met the cavers, didn't you?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I did. I'll tell you all about. We have plenty of time to talk.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I was right!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Gerald was trying to warn me that you snuck on board! He mentioned a last minute transfer of cargo onto the ship. You must've snuck on just before I arrived.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No. I barely made it at the last minute. You were already running checks when I got on.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
But that means... you were that hatch warning and there's extra weight... SOUND: ALARM SYSTEM SOUNDING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Jonas! Get into that seat and buckle up, now!
SOUND: ALARM SYSTEM SOUNDING, SEAT HARNESS STRAPS AND BELT LATCH, SHUTTLE SHAKING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What's going on?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
We're penetrating the thermosphere, but the extra weight is causing a malfunction!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And that means?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
That means hang on!!
SOUND: ALARM SYSTEM SOUNDING, SHUTTLE SHAKING, ENGINES ROARING, THEME MUSIC
END OF EPISODE 12