VOID - SEASON 2, EPISODE 8

Written by Sean McKnight

With Jeni Miller

The Cambridge McWillis Contract

NARRATOR

Season 2, episode 8. During the last episode of VOID, Jonas and Nova secured an eccentric engineer named Gilban Trickey for the crew. Max Huxley conveyed his trust issues about Jonas and Nova, suspecting them of spying for the council. And Ursula Nash lost her twin brother Phineous in a tragic accident on the docks.

INT. SPACE STATION DOCKING BAY #5 - NIGHT SOUND: DOCKING BAY

URSULA NASH

(hysterical)

No!! This can't be happening!! I can't lose him!

SEREBELLA REON

I'm so sorry, Ursula. His last thoughts were of you. He wanted me to tell you he loved you.

URSULA NASH

It's not fair! There had to be another way! Why didn't you save him?!

SEREBELLA REON

I tried. I wanted to. Everyone did. He gave the order. We had no other choice.

URSULA NASH

I don't believe you.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Look Ursula, with contagions…

URSULA NASH

(angry)

You need to stop talking. Your ship brought this here! This is your fault too!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I'm sorry. I didn't know...

URSULA NASH

Don't say anything. Just leave me be, both of you. I need to be alone.

SOUND: HATCH OPENING, MULTIPLE FOOTSTEPS

MAX HUXLEY

I'm so sorry about Phineous, Ursula. You have my condolences.

URSULA NASH

Thanks, Max, I have to go now.

MAX HUXLEY

I understand. Contact me if you need anything. I'll check in on you later.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH CLOSING

URSULA NASH

Take Dr. Aldridge into custody.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, STRUGGLING SOUND

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What's the meaning of this?!

MAX HUXLEY

You brought a foreign contagion into our station, Dr. Aldridge. You and Ms. Bayflower are confined to quarters to undergo interrogation and, if need be, sentencing.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sentencing?

MAX HUXLEY

Take him to his quarters and post guards. Make sure Ms. Bayflower is locked down as well.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS

INT. ANKO LUMEN'S QUARTERS - MORNING

ANKO LUMEN

Astrid, record new science log. Project name Titan. Mark as classified. Usual passwords.

ASTRID

Affirmative, log registered as classified, recording science log 1, Titan project, in 3, 2, 1...

ANKO LUMEN

Anko Lumen, Titan project, science log 1. I have confirmed crew for the Titan terraforming project.

We'll be leaving soon; I've begun preparations. The micro-neuron transformer will need to be calibrated when we land there, so that will cost some time. But the nitrogen pumps will need to do some of the work first anyway.

I'll have to get this crew trained. Hopefully Aldridge is less inept than he seems, but I'm not holding my breath. The surface temperature and the gravity will be some of the more demanding challenges. We'll have to go in for body mod in prep for the temperatures. This endeavor willmove me into position for paying all debts and to meet with the high members of The 5.

They'll have to recognize my brilliance now. Astrid, end recording.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, COMMERCIAL

VOICEOVER

(voiceover with heavy metal music bed)

Blood, spectacle, carnage, raw brutality, scraping metal, ripping flesh, certain death. All that and more at the House of Hermes Android Gladiator Pits. Fun for the whole family! Vice annex, level 2.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS

INT. MAX HUXLEY'S QUARTERS - DAY

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

(over communicator)

Good day, Mr. Huxley, to what do I owe the pleasure of this transmission?

MAX HUXLEY

You'll be sad to know that I took your co-conspirators into custody, Council Seat Harris.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

What do you mean?

MAX HUXLEY

Aldridge and Bayflower... your scheme to infect the station didn't work. We purged the contagion into space along with that piece of junk you called a shuttle.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

What are you talking about? What contagion? Wait, you purged our ship into space?

MAX HUXLEY

To hell with your shuttle! The shipment you sent us was infected with a virus. Don't tell me you didn't know about this...

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

I, I have no idea what you're referring to. Wait, did you say virus? As in, thevirus?

MAX HUXLEY

I don't know; you tell me.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

Our intention was to offer our help to the station in the hope of deepening our relationship...

MAX HUXLEY

Yes, I know you've been trying to work your way into the station for yourself and your fellow council members for quite some time. What I can't figure out is why you would attack us?

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

I didn't! We had nothing to do with a virus attack!

(trailing off on this last thought to himself)

It must be spreading on it's own...Oh my god, what have we done?

MAX HUXLEY

We're going to be questioning Aldridge and Bayflower shortly.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

It was them! Obviously this is a plot from that twisted doctor and his girlfriend! I will not stand for this! We will pray for swift retribution; I assure you!

MAX HUXLEY

We'll see. If this is uncovered to be some plot of yours, we may end up providing your little colony with a weapons display.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

No, wait one minute. We need your help! If the virus is spreading here, we're all in grave danger! We need to arrange an immediate evacuation to the station for myself and my colleagues.

MAX HUXLEY

That's laughable.

COUNCIL SEAT HARRIS

(desperate)

Screw them! Just me then! You don't need them! I'll be a great asset to The 5! You'll see!

MAX HUXLEY

This is, I suspect, the last time we'll ever talk, Harris. Good luck with your virus problem. I'm sure your god will come to the rescue.

SOUND: COMMUNICATOR CLICKING OFF, TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS, GLASS CLINKING, SMALL BLOWTORCH

INT. SEREBELLA'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

SEREBELLA REON

(taking a long hit on something, already very high)

This is ssssoooommmmeee gooooood shiiit maaaaan...

SOUND: DOORBELL RINGING, FOOTSTEPS SCRAMBLING, HIDING THINGS, DOORBELL RINGS AGAIN, HATCH OPENING

SEREBELLA REON

Ursula? What are you doing here?

URSULA NASH

I couldn't sleep. Can I come in?

SEREBELLA REON

Of course.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH CLOSING

SEREBELLA REON

Can I get you something?

URSULA NASH

No, I'm good. I just need to talk.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS PACING

URSULA NASH

I need to know more about what happened to my brother.

SEREBELLA REON

(slurring speech)

I don't know what else I can tell you. It was an accident.

URSULA NASH

Why was there no hazmat team? They should've been wearing suits!

SEREBELLA REON

Hazmat is only required when the ship's log indicates possible toxic elements. The things they sent from Earth were mainly weird clothing and food stuff. It's so strange; it's like an offer to the gods.

URSULA NASH

And there was no early warning? The scans of the container didn't reveal anything?

SEREBELLA REON

Nothing.

URSULA NASH

Do you think it was intentionally put there?

SEREBELLA REON

You mean like - sabotage?

URSULA NASH

Yes.

SEREBELLA REON

Why are you asking me this?

URSULA NASH

I want to know who I can trust.

SEREBELLA REON

As in Dr. Aldridge?

URSULA NASH

Yes.

SEREBELLA REON

No. I don't think so. We've had sabotage attempts before, but our security team knows what to look for. We did some follow up scans and checked the ship's logs and computer. This seemed more accidental. Like it was on some worker's clothing without them knowing it while they were helping to load everything.

URSULA NASH

If that's true, the people in the colony are going to be in trouble.

SEREBELLA REON

I think so, too.

URSULA NASH

Are you high?

SEREBELLA REON

A little.

URSULA NASH

I thought you had a problem with that.

SEREBELLA REON

It's no problem. I can handle it; I know what I'm doing.

URSULA NASH

Maybe now's not the best time...

SEREBELLA REON

(cutting her off)

Now's the perfect time! I lost your brother, too, you know? I was there. I had to look into his eyes before, before...

Stops talking to take a hit.

SOUND: SMALL TORCH SOUND, DRAWING BREATH TO TAKE A DEEP HIT

URSULA NASH

Serebella, how about...

SEREBELLA REON

How about you not offer me any advice? I deal with my grief, you deal with yours.

URSULA NASH

(agitated, both are emotional wrecks)

Fine!

SEREBELLA REON

Are you still taking the contract?

URSULA NASH

I don't know. Phineous didn't want me to go. I'm reconsidering.

SEREBELLA REON

He did want you to go.

URSULA NASH

What?

SEREBELLA REON

He was happy you were going. He told me he reacted selfishly, but he was proud that you were making the move out into space. I think he was a little jealous.

URSULA NASH

(emotional)

Oh, I didn't know that. Are you still going?

SEREBELLA REON

Hell yes. I need to get out of here for awhile. Now seems like a good time. Maybe just think about it, ok?

URSULA NASH

I'll figure it out after I talk to Dr. Aldridge.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS

INT. NOVA’S QUARTERS - NIGHT

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You have no right to keep me here!

MAX HUXLEY

I have every right since you and your friend brought contaminants with your delivery! Now then, why did you try to sabotage the station?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We didn't! We had no idea there was a virus on the ship! Do you think we would have traveled with it intentionally?

MAX HUXLEY

I have no idea what you and Harris were planning!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You think we were working for him?

MAX HUXLEY

Yes! You were on a council shuttle flying a council mission!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You're right. But we were using that mission to get off of Earth for another mission.

MAX HUXLEY

Yes, I know. It's a good cover.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Cover? Why would we go through the trouble of bartering for an entire crew if we were going to try to sabotage this place? And we both hate Harris!

MAX HUXLEY

So I've heard. I'll be questioning Aldridge next. If your stories check out I'll consider letting you go. If your stories don't line up, you'll be jettisoned into space. We don't suffer saboteurs.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS

INT. JONAS QUARTERS - NIGHT

MAX HUXLEY

What did you hope to gain? Why did you and Ms. Bayflower attempt to infect us with a virus?

JoNAS ALDRIDGE

(exasperated)

We didn't. We just wanted to get here to set up another mission...

MAX HUXLEY

You're sticking to that story?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It's the only one I've got.

Max HUXLEY

You know Harris said you were the mastermind behind the whole thing.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I don't doubt that. He's a politician and a christian... makes him about the biggest liar and hypocrite you'll ever meet.

MAX HUXLEY

I understand you set up a crew.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We did.

MAX HUXLEY

You have names?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I can give you all their names, if you'd like to confirm with them.

So can Nova.

MAX HUXLEY

Yes. Give me the names you have and if they all confirm, you might be free to go.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Fair enough.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS

INT. REGINA REX QUARTERS - NIGHT

REGINA REX

(talking to someone over communicator)

Yes. Confirmed. We're accepting the contract.

SOUND: WALLA OVER COMMUNICATOR

REGINA REX

(sounding stressed)

Yes I understand. I realize that failure is unacceptable. I wouldn't confirm this contract without the resources I need.

SOUND: MORE WALLA

REGINA REX

I fully accept the responsibilities and know the price that's paid if I don't deliver. Thank you for giving me the chance. I won't let you down.

SOUND: COMMUNICATOR CLICKING OFF, DOOR OPENING, FOOTSTEPS

GIDEON JUDGE

Well?

REGINA REX

We're in.

GIDEON JUDGE

Hot damn!

REGINA REX

You know we can't bitch this up right? You know what they'll do to us.

GIDEON JUDGE

You're such a buzzkill.

REGINA REX

I'm not kidding.

GIDEON JUDGE

Yeah, I know. How hard is this going to be?

REGINA REX

Very. But once it's done, this will be a game changer for us. Are you sure you're ok with this?

GIDEON JUDGE

I'm with you until the end of days my dear.

REGINA REX

I was hoping you'd say that.

GIDEON JUDGE

Do you think we can trust this, Aldridge and his friend?

REGINA REX

We can't trust anyone - that's the golden rule. They seem ok but so did that last guy. What was his name?

GIDEON JUDGE

Which one?

REGINA REX

The one we had to drug and toss out the airlock.

GIDEON JUDGE

That was Digby.

REGINA REX

Oh yeah. What an asshole. Speaking of Aldridge, what was your barter deal with him?

GIDEON JUDGE

(hesitant) The moon.

REGINA REX

Are you sure? Do you really want to go back there? Things didn't end well the last time we were there.

GIDEON JUDGE

I need to go back. What they're doing is disgusting and indefensible!

REGINA REX

You can't stop them. They have way too many clients that want their products.

GIDEON JUDGE

We'll see about that.

REGINA REX

The only way that ends is bloody.

GIDEON JUDGE

Then maybe that's the way it needs to go.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS

INT. NOVA'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Astrid, open transmission with Jonas Aldridge.

ASTRID

Opening transmission with Jonas Aldridge.

SOUND: COMMUNICATOR RINGING

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(over speaker)

Hey, at least they didn't cut off our communications.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yeah, at least there's that. It's comforting to know that we can talk first before they jettison us into space.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It is a bit disheartening to get to this point, almost to mission launch and then get executed for something we didn't do.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That prick Harris! Do you think he planted the virus?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

No, he's been trying to work his way onto the station for years.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Maybe that's why he would've done it: revenge.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I don't think so. He always saw this place as his escape from Earth. I don't think that's changed.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What then?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Incompetence. Once they planted the virus in the lower tiers of the colony, they were playing with something terrible they didn't really understand.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

And since they didn't isolate the populace...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It spread. Viruses can live on skin, on surfaces, even in the air for days. That virus in particular is a nasty one that has a long incubation period, no early symptoms and no cure.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Which means back in the colony, people are getting infected again.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It's horrible to say but we got out of there just in time. Harris' efforts to use and control the virus seem to have gotten away from him.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Do you think Gerald's ok?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I don't know; I hope so. If they have half a brain, they should be protecting him. He's one of the few scientists they have left; and if they lose them, they'll have signed their own death warrant.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Those pricks tried to use the virus for their own gain.

Unbelievable.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yeah, well, when you let greed and stupidity run the show, that's what you've signed up for.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Do you really think they'll execute us?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I think we have about a 50-50 chance. Huxley has the names of our crew. All we can do now is wait for him to talk to them.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I just hope that he...

SOUND: ALARM SOUND

ASTRID

Warning. Solar flare interruption detected. Imminent gravity system failure. Gravity will go offline in 30 seconds.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What's going on?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I have no idea!

ASTRID

Gravity will go offline in 15 seconds.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What are we supposed to do?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

How should I...?

ASTRID

Gravity going offline in 10, 9, 8,

7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

SOUND: CLUNKING SOUND, NOVA AND JONAS HITTING THE CEILING AND THE WALLS

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Help Jonas! I can't stop! SOUND: LOUD THUNK, NOVA UNRESPONSIVE

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Ahhh! That hurt! Nova? Nova! I can't see you. Nova?

END OF EPISODE 8