VOID - SEASON 2, EPISODE 7

Written by Sean McKnight

With Jeni Miller

Difficult Choices

NARRATOR

Season 2, episode 7. Previously on VOID, Nova Bayflower found Serebella Reon, the crew's new security agent. Anko Lumen revealed that he owes debt to the station and that he has a lot riding on his Titan project. And Jonas Aldridge was a bit disconcerted by the hiring of the crew's new captain, Regina Rex, as well as spiritual consultant Gideon Judge.

INT. JONAS QUARTERS - DAY SOUND: PERSONAL QUARTERS ROOM

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Astrid, open transmission with Nova Bayflower.

ASTRID

Opening transmission with Nova Bayflower, but first a word from our sponsor.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What?

VOICE OVER

(voice over with music bed)

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JONAS ALDRIDGE

Did I just listen to a commercial? I read about those!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(over communicator) Hi, Jonas!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Nova, just wanted to let you know I confirmed with Regina Rex and her spiritual consultant.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Her what?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Apparently, we're going to have a spiritual consultant as part of the crew. Regina insisted.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Ok, I guess that's a good thing?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We'll see.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That just leaves the engineer. I'm going to see him shortly. You should come with me.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sounds good. This crew has really come together.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

It has but we have a lot of new jobs we have to take on with all these bartering arrangements.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I know. I'm wondering just how steep of a price we'll be paying.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, COMMUNICATOR RINGING, PERSONAL QUARTERS

INT. REGINA REX QUARTERS - AFTERNOON

REGINA REX

Hi Gideon, how are you this fine day?

GIDEON JUDGE

(over communicator)

Well look who's aura is glowing!

REGINA REX

Can't a lady just be in a good mood?

GIDEON JUDGE

Your mood is about to be even better in a minute. I grant my blessing for the mission Dr.

Aldridge is proposing. Even if he is a non-believer.

REGINA REX

Oooo, you're right, my mood did just get better. You do know what this means?

GIDEON JUDGE

We can finally go after the Cambridge McWillis contract.

REGINA REX

Then no more freelance work.

GIDEON JUDGE

What about the crew?

REGINA REX

What about them?

GIDEON JUDGE

We can't expect them to work for free.

REGINA REX

They're not; this whole thing is a barter job. The crew doing the work for us is part of the deal.

That contract is ours alone.

GIDEON JUDGE

The temple I'm going to build after we're done is going to be breathtaking.

REGINA REX

I'm sure it will. Start packing. I'm going to begin prepping the ship.

SOUND: COMMUNICATOR CLICKING OFF, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS

EX-GIRLFRIEND

Who was that babe?

REGINA REX

It was business. Now, why is your fine ass all the way over on that side of the room?

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SOUNDS OF PLEASURE, MUSIC, FOOTSTEPS

INT. CRESSWELL'S COURTESANS - EVENING

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Are you sure this is where he wants to meet us?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

This is what he told me. Cresswell's Courtesans.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Seems like a weird place for a business meeting. I don't know why you couldn't send him a transmission.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

He insisted on meeting in person. (pausing)

Hi, excuse me.

CRESSWELL'S GREETER

Good evening! What a pleasure to meet you.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Thank you, I...

CRESSWELL'S GREETER

What will be your pleasure? We have male and female companions. You can have one of each, or both, or more than one of each. We also have a wonderful selection of trans and lady boy companions on the menu tonight.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

No, that's ok.

CRESSWELL'S GREETER

Something more exotic then? We're running a two-for-one special in the S&M chamber, as well as the punishment pit. How about you, sir?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Uh...

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We're looking for someone. He told us to meet him here. His name is...

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SQUISHY LEATHER SOUNDS

GILBAN TRICKEY

Ms. Bayflower! Nice to see you again. You came just at the right time, I'm between appointments.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That's a really different outfit from the last time I saw you. What would you call that?

GILBAN TRICKEY

A gimp suit. While engineering is my passion, this is more of a hobby. Let's sit over in the parlor.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SQUISHY LEATHER SOUNDS

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Ok, we're here. Why do we need to meet in person?

GILBAN TRICKEY

This is one of the few establishments where they don't monitor you. It's a safer place to talk.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Who are you worried about hearing us?

GILBAN TRICKEY

That's, wait, who is he?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Oh sorry, this is my partner I was telling you about.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Dr. Jonas Aldridge, nice to meet you.

GiLBAN TRICKEY

Charmed. So you're in on this?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

It was his idea.

GILBAN TRICKEY

I see. Did you secure a ship?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

And a crew. You're the last person we need.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Which ship?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(looking something up on a device)

Uh, that would be The Ching She.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Oh shit, Regina's ship? I hate dealing with dreadnoughts - especially hers. Then there's Regina...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What about her?

GILBAN TRICKEY

She's a wild card, unpredictable, difficult too. I've flown with her before and we don't always see

eye-to-eye.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Is that going to be a problem?

GILBAN TRICKEY

No, she won't be thrilled about it, but a contract's a contract. Speaking of which...

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We don't have credits.

GILBAN TRICKEY

I know. My bartering fee will include a stop along the way... On Mars to be more precise.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What's on Mars?

GILBAN TRICKEY

An artifact. We have to go to Mars anyway. There's a fuel depot in Mars' orbit we'll have to visit for fuel before going to Jupiter.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I don't know if the crew is going to be ok with looking for buried treasure on Mars.

GILBAN TRICKEY

It's not treasure. And I know where it is. I have the coordinates. We just have to land there and do a quick search. In and out.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What is this artifact?

GILBAN TRICKEY

That's my business. (pause a beat)

What do you say?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I guess I'm ok with it ... Nova?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We need someone who can handle Regina's ship, and since he knows it...

GiLBAN TRICKEY

Excellent! Pass along our launch date when you can. I look forward to working with you both. Now if you'll excuse me...

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SQUISHY LEATHER SOUND, WHIPPING SOUND, TRANSITION SOUND, HOSPITAL SOUNDS, COMMUNICATOR RINGING

INT. MEDICAL OFFICES - EVENING

URSULA NASH

Yes, Mr. Huxley, how may I help you?

MAX HUXLEY

(over communicator)

I was just wondering if you've spoken to your friend Dr. Aldridge recently?

URSULA NASH

No, not since I saw him and Ms. Bayflower in the injury ward.

MAX HUXLEY

I see. I've received your leave notice. You're joining him for an expedition?

URSULA NASH

Yes. Is there a problem?

MAX HUXLEY

Not at the moment. Has he mentioned anything about the colony on Earth or the Earth's council?

URSULA NASH

No. Nothing.

MAX HUXLEY

I was wondering if you would do me a favor.

URSULA NASH

Ok.

MAX HUXLEY

I need you to keep an eye on Dr. Aldridge and report back anything you think is important for me to know. Same with that Bayflower woman.

URSULA NASH

You want me to spy on them?

MAX HUXLEY

Not so much spy as just pay attention.

URSULA NASH

To what?

MAX HUXLEY

To anything they may say or do that might concern the station. Can you handle that?

URSULA NASH

I guess.

MAX HUXLEY

I'm not asking for anything dishonest, Ursula. Use your best judgement and send me the occasional transmission to keep me up to date.

URSULA NASH

I can do that.

MAX HUXLEY

Very good. Tell me, have all the warehouse personnel been cleared for contaminates? We can't have that Earth shuttle polluting the station.

URSULA NASH

Most of them. There's only one team left; it's the one my brother is in charge of. They're finishing up now.

MAX HUXLEY

Oh, that's right, I forgot Phineous was overseeing security. Good man, your brother.

URSULA NASH

The best.

MAX HUXLEY

He must be upset that you're leaving the station.

URSULA NASH

He knows it's only temporary. I'll be back.

MAX HUXLEY

You say that, but expeditions often last years. We're going to miss your skills around here. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into.

SOUND: COMMUNICATOR RINGING

URSULA NASH

That's Dr. Aldridge now.

MAX HUXLEY

Go ahead and talk to him. I'll be in touch.

SOUND: COMMUNICATOR CLICKING

URSULA NASH

Jonas! Nice to hear from you.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(over communicator)

Hi, Ursula, I hope this is a good time.

URSULA NASH

It sure is.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(awkwardly)

Great. Uh. I was wondering, if... you'll have to excuse me; I haven't done this for a very long time.

URSULA NASH

Done what?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Asked someone out.

URSULA NASH

Oh wow. Can I help?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Please!

URSULA NASH

Would you like to meet me for dinner? I know a great spot in the intelligence annex.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That sounds perfect.

URSULA NASH

Wonderful! Meet me at the Cerebral Bistro in an hour.

SOUND TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS MOVING AROUND, LOADING DOCK/INDUSTRIAL SOUNDS

INT. SPACE STATION DOCKING BAY #5 - NIGHT

SEREBELLA REON

Hey, Phineous, which container is next?

PhINEOUS NASH

Number 6, I think that's the last one.

SEREBELLA REON

What is all this stuff anyway?

PHINEOUS NASH

Your new employers brought these in - donations from the colony.

SEREBELLA REON

Donations? What the hell for?

PHINEOUS NASH

Political favor from what I hear. The politicians down there are trying to buy their way onto the board here.

SEREBELLA REON

Good luck with that.

PHINEOUS NASH

Right? Hey get your team on that container; and then would you run to the control room and grab us some coffee? It's going to be a long night.

SEREBELLA REON

Sure thing.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS

SEREBELLA REON

Hey, you! Open up the seal on 6, you can finish up there.

SOUND: BACKGROUND CHATTER CONFIRMING, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS, SOUNDS OF WORKING A CONTAINER DOOR, DOOR OPENS WITH A HISS AS PRESSURE IS LEAKING OUT, ALARMS SOUND, TRANSITION SOUND, RESTAURANT SOUNDS, MUSIC PLAYING

INT. CEREBRAL BISTRO - NIGHT

JONAS ALDRIDGE

So you also have degrees in neurology and biomedical engineering.

UrSULA NASH

Yes, I do. The 4th one is in classical music; I'm a pianist.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Of course, you are. What people achieve here is amazing.

URSULA NASH

When you have the resources we do, it certainly makes it easier. I can't imagine the struggle people face on Earth.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It's a very different situation there.

URSULA NASH

That's one of the reasons I wanted to go on this expedition with you, Jonas. I want to take what we find and help you with the people on Earth. It's about time I did something less selfish with my life.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Selfish? You're a doctor who treats the sick and injured. I don't understand how you're selfish.

URSULA NASH

That was largely vanity - so that I could prove myself to be as good as my parents. And to make them proud, too. It wasn't out of some inherent need to help people. That came later.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

At least it showed up. This is really nice by the way.

URSULA NASH

What?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Having dinner and a nice conversation with you. I haven't had this kind of experience for a very long time.

URSULA NASH

When was the last time...You know?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That I dated someone? A long time ago. There was another doctor in the colony. Her name was Oliska. We were together for some time, but then ended up close friends.

URSULA NASH

She must've been upset when you left Earth.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

She's gone.

URSULA NASH

I'm so sorry.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What about you? Any jealous ex- boyfriends I should be aware of?

URSULA NASH

Not really. Although there is the guy who was the bloodsport champion...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(choking on food) Did you say bloodsport?

URSULA NASH

(laughing)

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That's a relief. I've had enough adventure for a little while.

SOUND: ALARM SYSTEM

ASTRID

Contagion alert. Foreign viral agent detected in docking bay area. Station lockdown is in effect.

SOUND: LARGE METAL SHUTTERS CLOSING

ASTRID

All sectors will remain sealed until contagion is eradicated. Please stay calm and enjoy one of our many network entertainment choices while lockdown is in effect.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, PEOPLE SCRAMBLING

INT. SPACE STATION DOCKING BAY #5 - NIGHT

SEREBELLA REON

Phineous! The hatch is sealed! I couldn't stop it.

PHINEOUS NASH

(over speaker)

I know; it's protocol.

SEREBELLA REON

What do we do next? A decom team is on the way.

PHINEOUS NASH

It's too late for that. Everyone in this room has been exposed.

SEREBELLA REON

What is it?

PHINEOUS NASH

I don't know. Something in the containers when they broke the last seal.

SEREBELLA REON

Did they send some sort of chemicals? I didn't see anything on the shipping logs that required haz-mat...

PHINEOUS NASH

No, it's mostly food items and homemade clothing. They're a bunch of idiots. Something must've gotten mixed in.

SEREBELLA REON

If it's not chemical...

PHINEOUS NASH

Then it's either bacterial or viral. Either way you know what the procedure is.

SEREBELLA REON

Screw that. Once the containment team shows...

PHINEOUS NASH

They'll tell you the same thing. Make it quick before the rest of them realize what's about to happen. I don't want their last moments to be panic and fear.

SEREBELLA REON

You can't be serious.

PHINEOUS NASH

I wish I was. You have to blow us and everything in here out the hatch. We can't risk one microbe infecting the station.

SEREBELLA REON

There has to be another way.

PHINEOUS NASH

Do it before things turn ugly.

SEREBELLA REON

No, I can't. You can't ask me to...

PHINEOUS NASH

It's an order. Tell Ursula I love her.

SEREBELLA REON

I...

PHINEOUS NASH

And promise me you'll watch over her.

SEREBELLA REON

I promise. Goodbye, Phineous.

PHINEOUS NASH

Goodbye, Serebella.

SOUND: KEYBOARD TYPING, HATCH ALARM, HATCH OPENING, SCREAMING IN THE BACKGROUND, SOUNDS OF DEBRIS FLYING AROUND, HATCH CLOSING, SEREBELLA SOBBING

END OF EPISODE 7