VOID - SEASON 2, EPISODE 6
Written by Sean McKnight
With Jeni Miller
The New Crew
Copyright ©2020 VOID PODCAST LLC voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
Season 2, episode 6. In the last episode of VOID, Jonas learned that the knowledge and technology of the space station far surpassed his expectations. Ursula Nash confronted her twin brother about her decision to join the crew. And Nova Bayflower was rescued by Serebella Reon.
INT. ROGUE HIDEOUT - NIGHT
SOUND: VARIOUS FOOTSTEPS, PEOPLE BEING ROUNDED UP
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I'm sorry, who did you say you are again?
SEREBELLA REON
My name is Serebella Reon. I'm a freelance security agent. We were dispatched by Max Huxley.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Oh wow, thank the goddess for Max. They fried my chip.
SEREBELLA REON
We know. I had to do sector scans to find you. Luckily, I know the group that took you.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Are they all dead?
SEREBELLA REON
Not all of them. The ones still alive will be taken in for questioning and discipline. Give me one second.
SOUND: COMMUNICATOR BUTTONS
SEREBELLA REON
Sector D command, we found Ms. Bayflower and the rogue base. I placed a beacon at our location. We'll need a medical team and containment.
SOUND: COM CHATTER
SEREBELLA REON
Affirmative, Reon out.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You really kicked ass. You must've taken out 20 people!
(trying to stand and walk around)
Ouch!
SEREBELLA REON
Take it easy, Ms. Bayflower. We have a medical team coming.
(examining Nova)
You don't look too bad. Some electrical burns.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
They beat the shit out of me, but I don't think anything's broken. Do you know who those wackos are?
SEREBELLA REON
They call themselves the Rogue Society. They're a bunch of fanatics who are rebelling against technology.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yeah, they kept trying to "deprogram" me.
SEREBELLA REON
Mostly they're a bunch of addicts who either brainwash you into joining their cause or they beat and rob you. What are you doing down here anyway?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I got lost looking for the Powerbocking arena.
SEREBELLA REON
You a fan?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
No, I was looking for someone. My partner and I are putting together a crew for space.
SEREBELLA REON
Is that right?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yes, and we are going to need someone to take care of security for us. You mentioned you're a freelancer...
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS ROOM, COMMUNICATOR RINGING
INT. ANKO LUMEN'S QUARTERS - MORNING
ANKO LUMEN
Greetings, Max.
MAX HUXLEY
(over communicator)
Word has it you're getting ready to flee the station.
ANKO LUMEN
And how are you doing today? Well, I was doing pretty well up until now. How are you this fine day, Mr. Huxley?
MAX HUXLEY
Cut the shit. You have contracts to fulfill.
ANKO LUMEN
And fulfill them I shall. I'm taking a sabbatical to test my Titan theory.
MAX HUXLEY
You have work here to complete first Anko. You still have many credits outstanding that you need to answer for.
ANKO LUMEN
I know and I've been doing my work with Castialo and the rest of the losers on the energy project. The thing is, if I can get the Titan project launched, it could change things drastically.
MAX HUXLEY
We're all familiar with your theories, but nothing's been proven so...
ANKO LUMEN
Exactly! This opportunity is what I need to offer you the proof!
This is a game changer, Max. You know the potential.
MAX HUXLEY
I'm not the only one who needs to be convinced.
ANKO LUMEN
I know. Can you talk to them for me? Think of being on the cutting edge of this!
MAX HUXLEY
How long?
ANKO LUMEN
Once we get to Titan, it won't take much time! I promised that Aldridge idiot it could take up to a year; but I'm estimating we'll be done inside six months.
MAX HUXLEY
He wants to go to Europa.
ANKO LUMEN
We won't need to go there once Titan works out. Aldridge is out of his depth. Just let me handle it.
MAX HUXLEY
You can't skip out on us; you know that.
ANKO LUMEN
I'm not trying to skip out. Just give me the time I need, and you'll all be very grateful soon enough.
MAX HUXLEY
Don't disappoint us, Anko.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HOSPITAL SOUNDS, FOOTSTEPS, DOOR OPENING
INT. INJURY WARD - DAY
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I guess it's my turn to visit you.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hi Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What the hell happened?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I got lost; then I was kidnapped.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What did they do to you? You look like shit.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Gee, thanks. They shocked me and roughed me up a bit - nothing too serious. I've had worse in the colony.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That's a relief. How long will you be here?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Only overnight. They just want to make sure everything's okay. On the upside, I think we may have our pilot, our engineer, and our security officer!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That's great! Is there a ship?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
The pilot has her own ship. She's not confirmed, yet. She said we needed a crew first.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Speaking of crew, I have our other scientist and our doctor. You know the doctor, in fact. It's Ursula.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Oh.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What's wrong?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You two making goooogly eyes at each other. Are you sure you're not thinking with your dick?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(defensive)
Nothing's happened between us! Yes, I'll admit there's a certain...Attraction. But I've talked to her about her qualifications and she far surpasses me. All the scientists here far surpass me, actually.
She's more than what we need; and she'll do it for free.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Free? No credits or bartering?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
She said the adventure is the reward. She's wanted to explore space since she was a kid.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I'm a little worried about this, but hey, if she's gonna work for free, you'll be the one who has to deal with her, if your steamy romance doesn't work out.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
There's no steamy romance!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Whatever.
SOUND: DOOR OPENING, FOOTSTEPS
URSULA NASH
Ms. Bayflower, your scans came up negative as far as internal damage goes. No broken or cracked bones. All your injuries are minor. Hi, Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hi, Ursula.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I understand I owe you thanks for offering your services to our crew. I'm looking forward to working with you.
URSULA NASH
(trying to contain her excitement)
Thank you! I'm eager to get started on this adventure with everyone! Thanks for letting me be part of it.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You come highly recommended.
URSULA NASH
I'll do my best to make you all proud. I'll be back a little later to check in on you. Get some rest.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
She seems pretty happy. You look happy, too - judging by that goofy grin on your face.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I'm just happy we have our crew together.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Sure, if you say so. And we're not there just yet. I have to confirm with the pilot and the engineer now that the rest of the crew is in place.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I can help with that. Who should I go talk to?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
If you meet with the pilot, I'll finalize with the engineer tomorrow.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Deal.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Fine, so the pilot's name is Regina Rex. Here's where you'll find her.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, ROWDY BAR/LOUNGE ATMOSPHERE, FOOTSTEPS
INT. COCKPIT LOUNGE - EVENING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hi. Are you Regina Rex?
ReGINA REX
Who's asking?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
My name is Dr. Jonas Aldridge. I believe you met my colleague Nova Bayflower.
REGINA REX
Oh right! The Europa job. Where's your partner?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
She had a run-in with some locals and is taking it easy at the moment. I just stopped by to inform you...
SOUND: GLASS BEING THROWN AND BREAKING, FOOTSTEPS QUICKLY APPROACHING
EX-GIRLFRIEND
(drunk) Regina, you bitch!
REGINA REX
Oh shit.
EX-GIRLFRIEND
Did you think you were going to just come here and hide from me?
REGINA REX
Yes, that's exactly what I was doing.
EX-GIRLFRIEND
You can't ignore me. I'm not going anywhere.
REGINA REX
We broke up! Don't you get that?
EX-GIRLFRIEND
We break up every two weeks. You know your ass is mine and that we're getting back together.
REGINA REX
This time it's different.
EX-GIRLFRIEND
You say that every time, but here we are. Who's this asshole?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hi, my name is Dr. Jonas...
EX-GIRLFRIEND
I don't care who you are. Look, let's just go back to my place, get in bed, and have some makeup sex like we usually do.
REGINA REX
I can't do this anymore. Besides I just signed up for a new contract
- one that's going to deep space.
EX-GIRLFRIEND
What, with this tool? You're not
screwingthis guy are you?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ms... I assure you that...
EX-GIRLFRIEND
Keep your trap shut buddy; I'm not talking to you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok.
REGINA REX
No, I'm not screwing him. This is for real.
Ex-GIRLFRIEND
You're really leaving... for how long?
REGINA REX
I have no idea, could be awhile.
EX-GIRLFRIEND
That's great! Just great! Tell you what, when you come to your senses you'll be begging to come back to me and I'll be waiting here for your sorry ass; you'll see.
REGINA REX
Yeah, ok. Can I finish my business please?
EX-GIRLFRIEND
Don't try to push me away! I'll go when I'm ready.
SOUND: BRIEF PAUSE THEN FOOTSTEPS WALKING AWAY
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That was... interesting.
REGINA REX
Don't worry about her. You were saying?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh right. I was saying that I wanted to inform you that we have our crew. Nova has to confirm with the engineer, but that's it.
REGINA REX
Do you know who the engineer is?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, sorry.
REGINA REX
Hmmm. Fine. Consider me confirmed almost.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Almost?
REGINA REX
Yes. You need to get the blessing of my spiritual consultant.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Are you joking?
REGINA REX
Do I look like I'm joking?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No. No you don't.
REGINA REX
Good, because I'm not, and I'd ask for some respect from you while I'm at it.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sorry.
REGINA REX
My spiritual consultant will be part of the crew. He flies with me every time, no exceptions.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Fair enough.
REGINA REX
Before we do anything, you need to pay him a visit. Answer to every detail he wants to know. If he gives you his blessing, we're good. If not, you'll need to find another pilot, and another ship.
Understood?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes. Where will I find him?
REGINA REX
In the Faith annex. I'll give you the location and will let him know you're coming.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok. Do you...
REGINA REX
(cutting him off)
But first, I'll be going to nab me some makeup sex.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, LARGE CROWD ROARING AND EXCITED, WITH SOUNDS OF MECHANICAL FIGHTING (ROBOTS WITH SWORDS)
INT. ANDROID GLADIATOR PITS - NIGHT
SEREBELLA REON
You'll never believe what happened last night.
PHINEOUS NASH
Holy shit! He split his skull! Did you see that? I got a hundred riding on him!
SEREBELLA REON
Hey I'm having a conversation here.
PHINEOUS NASH
Trying to talk to me while watching android gladiators? Good luck with that.
(brief pause) Ok, what happened?
SEREBELLA REON
I rescued this woman from the rogues.
PHINEOUS NASH
Yeah, I read the report.
SEREBELLA REON
She offered me a contract - in space!
PHINEOUS NASH
You too!? My sister just got a contract. Man, there are a lot of missions going out.
SEREBELLA REON
Ursula? Where's she going?
PHINEOUS NASH
Wouldn't you like to know? She's heading to Europa I guess.
SEREBELLA REON
What? Are you sure?
PHINEOUS NASH
Yeah, why?
SEREBELLA REON
That's where I'm heading.
PHINEOUS NASH
Seriously?
SEREBELLA REON
Yeah, this woman Nova Bayflower offered me the contract. She was on her way to meet someone else, but apparently I impressed her. She's partnered with some doctor. Uh...
PHINEOUS NASH
Aldridge?
SEREBELLA REON
That's the name!
PHINEOUS NASH
My sister told me about him. She's all about it.
SEREBELLA REON
What do you mean?
PHINEOUS NASH
I think she has a thing for him.
SEREBELLA REON
Awww man! Competition!
PHINEOUS NASH
She's always dated guys Serebella.
SEREBELLA REON
There's a first time for everything. And hey! Now you know I'll be on the mission with her; that's cool right?
PHINEOUS NASH
Yeah, that's super cool. I'm relieved to hear it. I was getting really worried about her going, but I can chill a bit knowing you’ll be there, too.
SOUND: WARRIORS CLASHING, "BLOOD" SPLATTER SOUNDS
SEREBELLA REON
Oh damn!! Did that spray you, too?
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, NATURE SOUNDS, BIRDS, WIND, FOOTSTEPS
INT. FAITH ANNEX - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(excited, in awe)
Oh wow. Hi, are those real birds? Is this grass? I've never seen grass. I've only read about it.
GIDEON JUDGE
The trees and grass are real. The wildlife are holograms. They're more for atmosphere.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Incredible. Anyway, I'm looking for...
GIDEON JUDGE
Gideon Judge?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes, actually.
GIDEON JUDGE
Pleasure to meet you Dr. Aldridge. Regina said you'd be coming.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
The pleasure's mine.
GIDEON JUDGE
Let's go for a walk.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sure.
SOUND: WALKING, MORE NATURE ATMOSPHERE
GIDEON JUDGE
Regina filled me in a little, but I'll need to know more.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Of course... Our mission is to find another homeworld...
GIDEON JUDGE
Yes, that's all well and good, but I'm not concerned about those particular details.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What are you concerned with?
GIDEON JUDGE
How clean is your chi?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Pardon me?
GIDEON JUDGE
Your chi. Your energy. I need to know if you've been corrupted.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I'm sorry I have no idea what you're talking about.
GIDEON JUDGE
Did you eat a lot of tainted meat? Have you raped many women on Earth?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No - to both of those things!
GIDEON JUDGE
Have you lain with an animal? Or perhaps you were abused yourself?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No! What are these questions about?
GIDEON JUDGE
I'm just getting to know you, Dr. Aldridge - your character - and more importantly - your energy.
Pause here one moment.
SOUND: WALKING STOPS
GIDEON JUDGE
I'm going to touch your head now.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok.
GIDEON JUDGE
Don't move. Stay perfectly still.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I...
GIDEON JUDGE
(cutting him off)
Shhhh! Let me feel your energy. Just one moment...
SOUND: HUMMING SOUND
GIDEON JUDGE
Good! I detect no blockages. Your energy is clean.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That's good, right?
GIDEON JUDGE
That's very good, yes! You have my blessing for your mission.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(sigh of relief) Oh, ok, that's...
GIDEON JUDGE
As long as you agree to my conditions.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Which are?
GIDEON JUDGE
I understand you have no credits to work with, so here are my barter terms. Upon leaving, we must first stop on the dark side of the moon. I have business there to attend to and it's on our way. You will aid me in my business when we get there in whatever way I need you to.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What sort of business?
GIDEON JUDGE
The kind we'll discuss in front of the crew after we launch.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I'm not a fan of not knowing why we're going somewhere.
GIDEON JUDGE
That is your problem to face, I'm afraid. You'll just have to take my word on faith.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I'd rather not. I'm a...
GIDEON JUDGE
Skeptic, a man of science. I know. You also are someone who detests foolish people who pray to a savior in the sky.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Are you psychic?
GIDEON JUDGE
No, what a primitive thought. What we practice here is more of a higher level of philosophy.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Isn't that contradictory to the term "Faith" annex? Sounds a bit religious to me.
GIDEON JUDGE
We would never indulge in something so limiting as religion. We go far beyond the shallow concepts of that kind of worship. The term faith means much more to us than merely believing in a god.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That doesn't change how I feel.
GIDEON JUDGE
I'm aware. I can feel the doubt coming off of you. But no matter. If you want me, and the ship, and the pilot, you have my terms. Take them or leave them.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I have no choice.
GIDEON JUDGE
I know. I'll inform Regina that we can proceed forward. And by the way, the woman you're close to?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes?
GIDEON JUDGE
That's not going to end well.
END OF EPISODE 6