VOID - SEASON 2, EPISODE 4

Written by Sean McKnight

With Jeni Miller

The Search for the Crew

NARRATOR

Season 2, episode 4. Previously on VOID, Nova started discovering the wonders of the space station.

Jonas and Dr. Ursula Nash have taken a liking to each other. Both Nova and Jonas are breaking away from their old lives on the colony to begin new lives in space.

INT. INJURY WARD - NIGHT

SOUND: MEDICAL OPERATIONS

JONAS ALDRIDGE

So that's what we'll need for the crew. A pilot with a ship, an engineer, a medical doctor, a botanist, a security specialist, and another scientist besides myself.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What kind of scientist?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Biological or astrophysics maybe. I'm not sure what the specialties are here.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

How are we going to pay them? The colony credits we have are worthless.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That idiot Harris screwed us there. I foolishly thought the credits he gave you had some value.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I was the one who accepted them for this job! So, we're broke.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Essentially.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Well, we have 30 days to figure it out.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What happens in 30 days?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We have to leave, or we both have to sign contracts and take jobs to start earning station credits to pay for lodging and food.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Commerce is alive and well here in space.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What’s our next move?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I don't know.

SOUND: HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS

URSULA NASH

I couldn't help but to overhear your conversation. Might I offer a suggestion?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I'm sorry, you were eavesdropping?

URSULA NASH

Don't be so melodramatic, Ms. Bayflower. All our patient rooms come equipped with cameras and microphones. We don't hide them. See?

SOUND: MOVES TO POINT AT SOMETHING

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That's invasive! No privacy?

URSULA NASH

Not here, personal chambers aren't monitored, only public environments.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Fine, what's your advice?

URSULA NASH

If you're looking for a crew and a ship, you could try bartering.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Bartering?

URSULA NASH

Yes, it's a big part of the economy. When someone can't afford the cost of credits they'll offer a personal item, a service or a favor as compensation.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What kind of favor?

URSULA NASH

It might be something like cleaning their quarters for a month. Or if they have a skill; offering use of that skill like they'll fix something for someone

- or have sex with them.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Sex service? Isn't that prostitution?

URSULA NASH

I'm not sure what that is. Oh! Do you mean the reference in the history files about women selling their bodies for money?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yes.

We have that, but we don't label it as prostitution. Men and women sell their bodies for sexual services all the time.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

So you're saying we could offer something in trade for finding our crew members?

URSULA NASH

You could try. Everything and everyone has a price here.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

When do you think you'll be up to doing some networking?

URSULA NASH

I'm afraid Dr. Aldridge will be tied up here for some time recovering.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Don't you have some sort of miracle drug to heal him faster?

URSULA NASH

I'm afraid not, we'renot mutants.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You're going to have to start this Nova. From what you said earlier, we can't wait.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(reluctantly)

Alright. I guess we have no choice. I'm heading back to get some sleep, I'll start the search tomorrow. Have a good night.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH CLOSING

So Jonas, you mentioned something about needing a medical doctor for your crew...

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, ENVIRONMENTAL SOUNDS

INT. SPACE STATION - DAY

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I can't believe I'm going to a lounge called the Cockpit.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, BUTTON PRESSED, ELEVATOR SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING, WILD ENVIRONMENT - MUSIC, PEOPLE DRINKING AND PARTYING

INT. COCKPIT LOUNGE - DAY

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Holy shit, this place is in full rage mode this morning!

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, DRINKS BEING SERVED

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Hi, I'm looking for a pilot by the name of Regina Rex.

COCKPIT BARTENDER

So?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I was told she hangs out here.

COCKPIT BARTENDER

Maybe. Information isn't free, what are you drinking?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I don't have any credits.

We'll start a tab and send you the bill. It's due at the end of the month. If you don't pay, we'll know how to find you. What's your name?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Nova Bayflower.

COCKPIT BARTENDER

Just a sec.

SOUND: TYPING ON A KEYBOARD

COCKPIT BARTENDER

I see your account here.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You do?

COCKPIT BARTENDER

It looks like you're getting the VIP treatment since you're an off- worlder. For now, you drink for free until your orientation period is up. What can I get you?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

It's a little early to start partying so...

COCKPIT BARTENDER

It is?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Uh, yeah. Can you just give me a water?

COCKPIT BARTENDER

We don't serve water. We do have numerous non-alcohol based choices though. How are you feeling?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

How am I feeling?

Yeah, our drinks can help with anything from a hangover, to a headache, to constipation.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

No constipation, thanks. I guess I'm a little tired.

COCKPIT BARTENDER

Then I recommend the Goombay Smash. It's a fruit punch that's laced with just the right amount of cocaine to perk you up but without the stress. You could also go for the White Cross which is made with soy milk. The meth that's in it...

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(interrupting)

Do you have anything that isn't

laced with drugs?

COCKPIT BARTENDER

Coffee?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That works. Can you tell me if Regina Rex is here?

SOUND: COFFEE BREWING

COCKPIT BARTENDER

She's here alright. She's always here. She's the grumpy one over in the corner nursing a hangover.

Here's your coffee.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Thanks. SOUND: FOOTSTEPS

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Hi, my name is Nova Bayflower. Do you mind if I join you?

Regina rex

(grumpy) Why?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I wanted to talk about hiring you.

REGINA REX

Have a seat. SOUND: CHAIR PULLED OUT

REGINA REX

So, Nova Bayflower, what kind of job are you offering me? Is this a pirating gig or maybe smuggling?

NoVA BAYFLOWER

Neither. It's about saving the population.

REGINA REX

From what? We're doing just fine.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I'm from Earth. There are a lot of people on Earth that will die, if we don't find a new place for everyone to live. That's what we're doing: looking for a new home planet.

REGINA REX

(sounding skeptical) Uh huh. Who is we?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Myself and my partner Dr. Jonas Aldridge. We're just starting to put together a crew.

And where are you going on this expedition?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Europa.

REGINA REX

Jupiter huh? I'm one of the few that have gone out that far.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You've been there?

REGINA REX

I've been near there, well, about 300,000 kilometers or so close, but in the same neighborhood. Why there?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

It's the next closest system that's inhabitable since Mars didn't work out.

REGINA REX

What's the pay? You should know that I'm no philanthropist.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(starting to talk super fast)

Since we don't have any station credits, we wanted to offer a trade. And so we were thinking we could act as your crew for another job that you wanted to take on, or we could offer services...Wait, wooo - why am I talking so fast?

What is in this coffee?

The coffee here has about 30x the normal level of caffeine. The bartender always cranks it up; it's his thing.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Oh shit, ok.

(trying to calm down) As I was saying.

A fight breaks out in the lounge. The two guys fighting make their way toward where Nova and Regina are. One of the men ends up on the table.

SOUND: SHUFFLING, FIGHTING, A GLASS BREAKING OVER SOMEONE'S HEAD, BODY HITTING THE FLOOR

REGINA REX

That should settle that. Take your issues somewhere else boys.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS WALKING AWAY, OTHER FOOTSTEPS WALK UP AND DRAG THE UNCONSCIOUS MAN AWAY

REGINA REx

So no credits, but you're offering barter as crew.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yes.

REGINA REX

Hmmmmm. I don't have any immediate contracts, but there's been this one I've wanted to take on, just haven't had the right people for it.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We're lining up a number of others including an engineer, a couple scientists, security, a medical officer, (breathes) and I would serve as your co-pilot and navigator.

You ever fly a dreadnaught class ship?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Um, no, I've only flown colony shuttles, but I'm a quick learner.

REGINA REX

We'll see. Tell you what, if we fulfill my contract first before we head to Europa and I get my share of anything we find along the way, then it's a deal.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What's the contract?

REGINA REX

That's none of your business, for now. We can talk about the details if you manage to find the rest of the crew.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Fair enough.

REGINA REX

Here's my card. Contact me when you have the crew together. What's your timetable?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We need to be on our way in less than 30 days.

REGINA REX

That shouldn't be a problem, if you can find the rest of the suckers, I mean crew, in time. Good luck with that.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Ok.

Goodbye, Nova Bayflower.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Oh, fine. Ok. I'll be in touch.

REGINA REX

Sure you will.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HOSPITAL SOUNDS

INT. INJURY WARD - EVENING

JONAS ALDRIDGE

With all these drugs aren't you flooded with addicts?

URSULA NASH

We have some addicts around but very few. Only the people that refuse to get the shot.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Shot?

URSULA NASH

If someone becomes addicted to a drug they just stop by and we administer an immunity shot that's usually good for about six months.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Fascinating. Are you really sure about joining the crew? Like I told you, we could be gone for years. I really have no idea what I'm doing.

URSULA NASH

Are you kidding? This is the kind of opportunity I've always wanted. I want the adventure!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

But you'll be leaving the comforts of this place. Our own survival could be at stake.

URSULA NASH

I know. I always love the stories the pilots tell me when I'm treating them for some injury or some sickness they brought back from one of their trips. I've been listening to them since I was a kid. I even used to collect comics about them.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What kept you from being a pilot?

URSULA NASH

My family. They sort of pushed me towards the medical field, which I do love and have to admit I have an affinity for; so it worked out. Both of my parents were doctors.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Were? I'm sorry.

URSULA NASH

It's ok; it's a story for another time. Not everyone goes for the immortality package.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

There's an immortality package?

URSULA NASH

Sure, if you don't mind committing your life to the station permanently.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Who governs this place anyway?

We don't really have an electorate. The initial founders of the station sort of decided how it was going to go before the majority of the population showed up. The organization is known as The Five.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Interesting.

URSULA NASH

(almost rote)

Named after the 5 governing disciplines of science, faith, intellect, vice and engineering. There's a tablet in that drawer next to you that will explain everything. They have a very good PR branch.

SOUND: DRAWER OPENING, CLICKING ON PAGE BUTTONS

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Wow, this is a lot of pages. I'll do some light reading with this later.

URSULA NASH

What do you say - can I join the crew?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You know we can't pay you, right?

URSULA NASH

The adventure is the pay. I'm fine.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I have to confirm with Nova; she's basically my partner on this.

Ok, once you do let me know. I'll need to give notice that I'm taking leave.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I wonder where she is? I think she was planning on stopping by.

URSULA NASH

She should be fine. Most of the station is really safe.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What do you mean most?

URSULA NASH

There are people who have broken from The Five and have formed their own factions. There's an underground culture and it's chaos.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Is there security?

URSULA NASH

Yes. They're really good too. My brother works for them.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You have a brother?

URSULA NASH

We're twins. Many of the children here were born twins, it's more efficient.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

This place is something else.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS

INT. SPACE STATION - NIGHT

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Great, just great. Now I'm lost.

SOUND: WALKING CONTINUED

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Hey, wait a minute. What is this? Oh! It's Astrid!

ASTRID

Greetings, I am an Astrid kiosk. How may I be of assistance?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Excellent! Astrid, I need directions to the Powerbocking arena.

ASTRID

Affirmative, relaying directions to the Powerbocking arena. First, please enjoy this message from our sponsor.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You've got to be kidding me.

VOICE OVER

(VO with music bed)

The Atlas Corporation, we're everywhere doing everything. Products, services, cutting edge technology, building systems and changing tomorrow. We do it all. We are The Atlas Corporation.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I didn't even understand what that was for.

ASTRID

Directions to the Powerbocking arena are as follows: Follow the express pathway to pathway G in the Vice Annex. From there, turn right and walk another 274.32 meters to your destination.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I just came from there, dammit.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, THEN MORE FOOTSTEPS

ROGUE MEMBER #1

Hey, what are you doing back here?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Nothing, I'm just on my way to the Powerbocking arena.

SOUND: MULTIPLE FOOTSTEPS STOPPING

ROGUE MEMBER #1

Oh, you are, are you? Who said you could cut through here?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Look, Astrid told me...

ROGUE MEMBER #1

Oh, the AI told you? Not all of us worship technology the way you do, sweetheart. Maybe your precious AI neglected to tell you how dangerous it can get around here. Isn't that right?

SOUND: HOOTING AND HOLLERING FROM A NUMBER OF PEOPLE

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I just want to mind my own business and be on my way.

ROGUE MEMBER #1

I don't think so. You won't be going anywhere anytime soon, honey.

END OF EPISODE 4