VOID - SEASON 2, EPISODE 3
Written by Sean McKnight
With Jeni Miller
Life on the Station
Copyright ©2020 VOID PODCAST LLC voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
Season 2, episode 3. During our last episode, Nova Bayflower was pursued by Council Seat Harris in an attempt to bring her and Jonas back to the colony to face justice. Nova started the process of finding a new crew by connecting with an old friend. And Jonas Aldridge regained consciousness after spending time in a coma.
INT. CYRUS HATCH QUARTERS - DAY
SOUND: JOSTLING OUT OF BED
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Shit, shit, shit! I can't believe we slept together, you bastard!
CYRUS HATCH
Hey, I didn't hear any complaints last night.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I was drugged! That was it, wasn't it? You slipped something in my drink and drugged me!
CYRUS HATCH
I did no such thing! How could you think I would stoop so low?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I wouldn't put anything past you!
CYRUS HATCH
I would never drug someone, and you know it.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Whatever.
You're looking at this all wrong. I had a really pleasant evening myself. It's too bad you look at everything so negatively.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Negatively? I had sex with someone I didn't really want to have sex with. How is that remotely positive?
CYRUS HATCH
You sure didn't come across that way last night! You looked like you were having a pretty good time.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I was too drunk to realize it was you.
CYRUS HATCH
It sounds like you've got some major hangups you need to address. I'm going to mark it down as a score in my playbook.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You're disgusting.
CYRUS HATCH
You feel that way now, once you've had time to get your head straight, you'll come back for more.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Don't count on it. I have the names I need to get started so I don't need you anymore. I'm out of here...
Hey, I got everything I wanted too, so it sounds like a win-win to me!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You're such a...Aggggghhhh!!!
SOUND: CYRUS LAUGHING, FOOTSTEPS, GATHERING PERSONAL ITEMS, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING, TRANSITION SOUND, HOSPITAL SOUNDS
INT. INJURY WARD - DAY
URSULA NASH
It's nice to see you awake, Dr. Aldridge.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(weak and tired)
It's nice to be awake, doctor...?
URSULA NASH
Nash.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Doctor Nash, thank you. Where the hell am I?
URSULA NASH
You are in the injury ward located in the science annex of the space station New Hope.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh good, we made it. I was hoping I wasn't hallucinating.
URSULA NASH
No, I'm real.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That's a relief. What happened?
URSULA NASH
From what I was told, you were thrown around the ship after a malfunction and suffered a head injury.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Nova! Is she ok?
URSULA NASH
She's fine. She took care of you and managed to dock the ship.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh, thanks. Where is she?
URSULA NASH
The station has arranged guest quarters for her. She's probably there. I'll let her know you're awake.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thank you. How bad are my injuries? I see my hand is bandaged up, too...
SOUND: KEYBOARD TYPING, FUMBLING WITH CHARTS
URSULA NASH
You took some cuts from the incident, but your head was the worrisome part. You suffered a cerebral edema.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
A what?
URSULA NASH
Your brain was swelling, but luckily that subsided on its own. After we drained the excess fluid we ran some scans and didn't find any permanent damage.
That's good.
URSULA NASH
Yes it is, but we won't be able to discharge you for a while yet.
After that kind of an injury, we want to keep you in for observation and a few more tests.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I understand. I could use a vacation anyway. The way my head feels, I don't think I could stand up right now.
URSULA NASH
You don't really have much choice in the matter, Dr. Aldridge.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Please call me Jonas; and that's fine by me. I'm enjoying the company.
URSULA NASH
Me too. What is yourspecialty?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I'm a scientist - more specifically environmental science. I monitor the Earth's surface radiation levels. Or, I used to.
URSULA NASH
Retired?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sort of, escaping might be more accurate.
URSULA NASH
Oh? You're running from something?
No, given the circumstances, it's more like running toward something.
URSULA NASH
What kind of circumstances?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(whispering playfully) I'm actually on a super secret space mission.
URSULA NASH
(flirting back)
Ohhhhh, those are the best kind.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I know, right?
URSULA NASH
Ok, Mr. Secret guy, you need to get some rest. You can tell me all about your spy mission later.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes, ma'am.
URSULA NASH
I'll come back and check on you soon.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks, Dr. Nash.
URSULA NASH
My pleasure, Dr. Aldridge.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SHOWER SOUND, COMMUNICATOR RINGING
INT. NOVA'S QUARTERS - EVENING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(getting out of the shower)
I'm coming! I'm coming!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING, COMMUNICATOR CLICK
NOVA BAYFLOWER
This is Nova.
URSULA NASH
(over communicator)
Good evening, Ms. Bayflower. I wanted to inform you that Dr. Aldridge has regained consciousness.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
That's great! How is he?
URSULA NASH
His condition is stable and he's resting comfortably. You're welcome to stop by anytime you like.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Excellent, thank you for the good news.
URSULA NASH
You're welcome.
SOUND: COMMUNICATOR CLICKING OFF
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(letting out a sigh of relief)
Okaaay, Jonas is back. First I think I'll check out this pilot that the asshole suggested.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, WALKING, DOOR OPENING
INT. ENGINEERING ANNEX LOBBY - EVENING
ASTRID
(with music bed)
Welcome to the engineering Annex. If you're a union member, don't forget to pay your dues. If not, please consider joining the Amalgamated Engineering Union. The AEU fights for your rights as an engineer to ensure fair pay and fair treatment. Won't you join today?
SOUND: WALKING, MUSIC FADES, QUIET ENVIRONMENT
Nova approaches a directory by a set of lifts.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(to herself)
My god, this place is huge.
Ok, the directory says that the Library is onnnnn level 314.
SOUND: ELEVATOR LIFT DOOR OPENING, STEPPING IN, BUTTON PUSH, LIFT MOVING QUICKLY
In a very short amount of time the lift door opens. SOUND: LIFT DOOR OPENING, FOOTSTEPS
INT. ENGINEERING ANNEX LIBRARY - EVENING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
So fast! That would've taken an hour in the colony.
Library administrator I'm sorry, miss, were you talking to me?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
No, sorry, just thinking out loud.
LIBRARY ADMINISTRATOR
Oh, welcome to the library. How may I be of assistance?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I was told I could meet people here - that you have an area where the engineers socialize?
LIBRARY ADMINISTRATOR
Yes, that would be our Conversation Lounge. Many of the engineers gather there to have discussions and network.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Excellent, I'm looking for a pilot...
LIBRARY ADMINISTRATOR
I'm afraid we don't really get pilots here.
(voice tone changing to disgust)
That lot tends to gather at the vice annex in the various dens of iniquity you'll find there.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I see. Is it ok for me to socialize? I'm not an engineer, but I'm looking for one.
LIBRARY ADMINISTRATOR
You are allowed in the conversation lounge; we encourage networking. Straight through that hatch to your right.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Thank you.
SOUND: WALKING, HATCH OPENING, PEOPLE TALKING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Excuse me. I'm looking for an engineer to talk to.
Engineer #1
What are you interested in? We have all kinds here. Industrial, civil, thermodynamic, electrical, computer...
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I'm looking for an engineer to join a crew for a deep space mission so this person would be in charge of ship maintenance.
ENGINEER #1
You're going to want one of the mechanical engineers like me. What does the job pay?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Uhh, I'm not sure. I forgot to ask that.
ENGINEER #1
Are you paying in station credits?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I think we have credits from the colony...
ENGINEER #1
Seeya.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Wait, but...
ENGINEER #1
Sorry lady, colony credits mean dick here. And since you don't have station credits you are now officially wasting my time. I'll be turning my back on you now.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Rude.
SOUND: WALKING THEN STOPPING, SOMEONE APPROACHES
Excuse me, I couldn't help but to overhear your conversation. Don't worry about Jerron; he's always an asshole like that. Gilban Trickey is the name; mechanical engineering is the game.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Nice to meet you.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I heard you say you're looking for someone to join your crew.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yes.
GILBAN TRICKEY
How long is the contract? What class of ship are you using?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I'm not sure.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Ok, well, where are you going?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Europa.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Jupiter? That's a long one. Will you be returning after that? How long will you be there?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I don't know.
Tell you what. You have me somewhat interested in this, but you need to get your shit together before you come recruiting. Here's my card. When you figure out the details, get in touch, and if I'm still available, we can talk. I wouldn't bother networking anymore right now. This crew won't give you the time of day unless there's credits to discuss.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Duly noted, thanks.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HOSPITAL SOUNDS
INT. INJURY WARD - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So you grew up and went to school here on the station?
URSULA NASH
Born and raised. I'm 3rd generation. And the first in my family to get a medical degree.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
They have degrees here? Amazing.
URSULA NASH
Oh sure. You can't work in the sciences with any less than two PHDs. The station only wants the top of the top.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So the station has many schools?
URSULA NASH
No, it's all one big school. Although each annex has its own facilities for further education and training.
It's so refreshing to finally be in a place that values education.
URSULA NASH
The colony doesn't?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, not at all. The council values faith and fear; they loathe science since it dispels their myths. They strive to deny the colony members information and knowledge.
URSULA NASH
That's just terrible. I can't imagine a place like that. I'm afraid to ask what the medical facilities were like.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Well, if you read history and find this era called the medieval times, it was not too far from that. Primitive is putting it mildly compared to here.
URSULA NASH
I don't know how you all survived living there. You're the first person I've come in contact with from the colony. It's scary - and exciting.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I have to tell you, the drinks alone are worth the risk getting here. What is this amazing liquid you gave me?
URSULA NASH
It's called ambrosia chai. It's a tea.
My headache is gone and the feeling I get from this is euphoric.
URSULA NASH
That's what it does. The tea is laced with the drug ambrosia.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(upset)
This is laced with drugs? Why didn't you tell me?
URSULA NASH
I didn't think...Oh! I'm sorry, I should've warned you that many of our drinks are laced with various drugs.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
This is normal?
URSULA NASH
It is here. You don't have drugs on the colony?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(settling down)
No. I mean, yes, we have drugs but they're rare and only the medical staff has access for medicinal purposes.
URSULA NASH
That's a shame. I don't know how I'd sleep without my opium tea.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Opium tea? This place would kill Gerald...
(trailing off in the last part of the sentence)
URSULA NASH
Who?
Oh, nothing. I'm starting to understand why the scientists who left Earth never went back.
URSULA NASH
What about you? Is the plan to return someday?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Maybe, but not for a long time.
URSULA NASH
Don't you have friends and family there? A girlfriend?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I have one friend on Earth that I'm close to. No family.
URSULA NASH
And is Ms. Bayflower your...
JONAS ALDRIDGE
She's a friend too, and a colleague. But that's it, just friends.
URSULA NASH
So no partner?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, I'm afraid not.
URSULA NASH
That's a shame.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What about you?
URSULA NASH
No, that never happened. I was engaged once but it didn't work out.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I'm surprised marriage is still a thing here.
URSULA NASH
Domestic partnership. We don't really regard them as marriages anymore.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Do you still do weddings?
URSULA NASH
No. When arranging a domestic partnership, the 2 people or 3 or 5, whatever it is, they have to go through courses first.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Courses?
URSULA NASH
Yes. They go to school for three months taking domestic training classes. They have to take a test and if they all pass the certification they're allowed to form a partnership.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Wow. Is there a ceremony?
URSULA NASH
Sort of. After they graduate, there's usually a big party to celebrate. Sometimes it's an orgy.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Did you say orgy?
URSULA NASH
Yes, you don't have orgies on Earth?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Not in the colony, that kind of thing would get you arrested.
URSULA NASH
The colony sounds like a really uptight place.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You have no idea.
URSULA NASH
You don't have to be part of the orgy. I never engaged myself but they're fun to watch.
SOUND: HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Nova!
URSULA NASH
Hello, Ms. Bayflower.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hello, Dr. Nash; you look like you're getting to know each other.
URSULA NASH
Yes, Jonas was telling me about life on Earth.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Was he now?
URSULA NASH
As much as I've been enjoying our conversation I need to get back to my rounds.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Thanks for everything, Ursula.
URSULA NASH
I'll check in on you later.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, DOOR CLOSING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Ursula? And she called you Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Don't start.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You've been a busy boy since you woke up.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(stuttering)
She's... very... smart... and nice.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
And attractive...
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And attractive. Look, our interest is strictly professional.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
If that were true I would have to have you arrested for harassment if you looked at me the way you looked at her.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Is this what I have to wake up to? Your abuse?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I'm so happy to see you!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, NOVA HUGGING JONAS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ow! Ow! Me too, I think...
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Sorry. There's just so much to tell you. I have many questions.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Me too.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
How do you feel?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I'm ok. My brain swelling is down and I'm on my way back to normal. My head was throbbing like hell until she gave me this tea.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Is it the opium tea?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You know about that?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
It was in my quarters! I drank some last night. Everything here has drugs in it!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I know; she told me, this place is wild.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You haven't seen anything yet, we're only getting started...
END OF EPISODE 3