VOID - SEASON 2, EPISODE 9

Written by Sean McKnight

With Jeni Miller

The Will of the 5

NARRATOR

Season 2, episode 9. In the last episode of VOID, Serebella Reon's addiction came to light, to the frustration of Ursula Nash. Regina Rex and Gideon Judge confirmed another contract that could leave them in riches or in trouble. And at the end of Episode 8, the space station lost gravity, violently throwing Jonas and Nova around their quarters.

INT. JONAS’ QUARTERS - NIGHT

SOUND: BODIES BEING THROWN AROUND, IMPACT SOUNDS, ALARM SOUNDS

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(coming close to the communicator and then being pulled away from it)

Nova?! Dammit! I can't get a grip on... Nova! Agghh!

SOUND: CONTINUED IMPACT AND BOUNCING SOUNDS

ASTRID

Solar flare interference diminishing. Kinetic stabilizers resetting in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

SOUND: ALARM CONTINUES THEN STOPS, IMPACT SOUNDS STOP JONAS ALDRIDGE

(moving around the cabin*)

Whew. Ok. Floating, but at least not bouncing.

*SOUND NOTE - SHOULD SOUND LIKE JONAS IS CHANGING DISTANCE WHILE TALKING

SOUND: KEYBOARD TYPING

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Nova? Can you hear...

ASTRID

Kinetic stabilizers at 100%. Centripetal force generator restoring gravity in 5, 4, 3, 2,

SOUND: OBJECTS FALLING, JONAS HITTING THE FLOOR

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Ooofff!

ASTRID

Gravity fully restored. Have a nice day and enjoy this word from our sponsor.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(getting his wind back) You've got to be shitting me.

VOICE OVER

(very laid back voice over - light jazz)

Are you feeling tense after a long day? Maybe your partners are nagging you at home. You need an escape. You need to visit The Brown Sugar Boutique for the finest in opium products. Opium tea, opium pastries, tinctures, powders and much more. Visit us in the Vice annex, level 46.

(finishes quickly with disclaimer)

Needles not included with purchase.

SOUND: JONAS GETTING OFF THE FLOOR, KEYBOARD SOUNDS

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Ok, Nova?

SOUND: FUMBLING OVER COMMUNICATOR

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(over communicator, getting to her feet, restoring consciousness)

Uhhh, my head. What the hell happened?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

The station lost gravity. We got thrown all over the place, I think you got knocked out for a bit. Are you bleeding?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(touching her head to check)

No no. I'm just...ow! That hurts! No blood, but I'll have a lump for awhile. So, we're about to be executed and now the station goes out of whack trying to kill us, too.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I know. I'm beginning to think we were safer on Earth.

SOUND: COMMUNICATOR ALERT SOUND

ASTRID

Incoming group transmission for Nova Bayflower and Jonas Aldridge. Please stand by for Max Huxley.

(over communicator) Ms. Bayflower and...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(cutting him off)

What the hell is going on with the gravity? We were nearly smashed to death getting thrown around our...

MAX HUXLEY

Calm down, Dr. Aldridge. All quarters come with safety harnesses for just such an occasion. We're obviously well equipped for these outages. Why do you think most everything in your room is bolted down?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Safety harnesses?

MAX HUXLEY

(annoyed)

You didn't know? You really should read the instructions that came with your quarters, Ms. Bayflower. If I may be allowed to continue... The reason I was contacting the both of you is to let you know the charges against you have been dropped. Upon further investigation, we have determined you were not responsible for the contagion release. We do believe it to be accidental and the result of human ignorance. With that, we will be keeping a closer eye on both of you, but you are free to go about your business. Have a pleasant evening.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(breathes a sigh of relief)

Oh wow.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Just like that?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Don't kid yourself, they're watching and listening to us right now. We got lucky.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I guess.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SOUNDS OF WORKING WITH MACHINERY AND VARIOUS DEVICES

INT. ANKO LUMEN'S LABORATORY - MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT ANKO LUMEN

Astrid, record science log 2, Titan project.

ASTRID

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

ANKO LUMEN

Anko Lumen, Titan project, science log 2. I'm finishing general machine calibrations now according to Titan's current surface conditions. This will only put the machines in the general area of where I'll need them, but with less adjustment when we arrive.

I've just sent my report to Dr. Nash detailing the conditions for which she'll have to perform the body modifications needed to prep the crew. Those conditions are as follows: deep space travel, as there will be times we'll be in stasis, as well as being out for an in-determined length of time - even though mycontractis good for a year. For that we'll need to be modified to consume less food and water. Our bodies will also have to be adjusted for the low temperatures which average around negative 179 celsius. While we'll have oxygen masks, we'll still need to be modified for the nitrogen rich atmosphere's lack of oxygen. And finally we'll need resistance to the fumes that the rivers and lakes of methane and ethane will be producing. I expect the process will be long and painful, as it tends to be.

Astrid, end science log 2.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS, RUNNING ON A TREADMILL, COMMUNICATOR RINGING, RUNNING STOPS

INT. GIDEN JUDGE’S QUARTERS MORNING

GIDEON JUDGE

Good morning Mr. Huxley.

MAX HUXLEY

Good morning, Gideon. I see that you and Regina have been confirmed for the Cambridge McWillis contract.

GIDEON JUDGE

Yes, we have.

MAX HUXLEY

Excellent, it's time then. We need you to watch over this carefully. Make sure she doesn't mess this up. It's important to The 5. Do you understand?

GIDEON JUDGE

I do. And once the contract is complete?

MAX HUXLEY

No witnesses.

GIDEON JUDGE

Understood. The crew is made up from barter deals. This could take some time.

MAX HUXLEY

We're in no hurry. We want this done right. Go along with whatever other missions that are part of it and be helpful. Make sure they see you as an asset, gain their trust, and do what is necessary at the right time as you see fit.

GIDEON JUDGE

Affirmative.

MAX HUXLEY

I'll expect full reports on a regular basis.

GIDEON JUDGE

Will do.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HOSPITAL SOUNDS, FOOTSTEPS, DOOR KNOCK

INT. SCIENCE ANNEX - URSULA’S OFFICE - DAY

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I'm sorry; the hatch was open.

URSULA NASH

What do you want?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

To clear the air.

URSULA NASH

So go ahead and clear it.

SOUND: HATCH CLOSING (*BG SOUNDS DIMINISH)

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I'm really sorry for what happened to your brother.

URSULA NASH

Spare me your sympathy.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We had nothing to do with the virus. We had no idea it was on board. The whole thing was one big accident. Max Huxley cleared us.

You can ask him if you...

URSULA NASH

I know, he contacted me. I was told you were cleared and allowed to continue with your mission.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I'm guessing you feel hesitant about this whole thing now.

URSULA NASH

That's an understatement.

I understand that you're processing your brother's death. And I wish I could take away that pain. The thing is: I, we, the crew needs you. We leave soon and it might take too long to find someone else...

URSULA NASH

And that's not going to be easy since someone as gifted as I am isn't so easy to replace.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Exactly.

URSULA NASH

I guess I can't say no, can I?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I don't see how you could.

URSULA NASH

Alright, Dr. Aldridge, you have yourself a medical officer.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Thank you.

URSULA NASH

I have the conditions the crew will need to be prepped for. We'll set up appointments shortly for everyone's body mods.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Body mods?

URSULA NASH

Yes. For this kind of expedition our bodies will be subjected to things like gamma radiation in space, but also varying planetary conditions.

Oh. How does it work?

URSULA NASH

I'll oversee the processing along with my assistants and other colleagues, since I'll be going through it, too ... for the first time. Oh, that just occurred to me. This should be interesting.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Why is that?

URSULA NASH

I've performed the prep before, but never experienced it firsthand. It's compelling to watch, especially seeing the changes.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

So our bodies will change during the procedure.

URSULA NASH

Yes, some things will change temporarily, some permanently. It's also going to hurt, but we'll numb each of you best we can.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You seem a little ... nervous?

URSULA NASH

A little. It's a combination of excitement and fear.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Ok.

URSULA NASH

On one hand, I'm excited to finally see what the process is like physically, first hand, which appeals to the scientific side of me. On the other, I never know how much this will hurt or just what changes are going to occur. The "Ursula" part of me isn't excited about that.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sounds like we're all in the same position.

URSULA NASH

It would appear that way.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I take it there will be injections.

URSULA NASH

Yes, and other procedures. It's going to take awhile. You might want to get some rest.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, CASINO SOUNDS, CHATTER, PEOPLE DRINKING, WALKING AROUND

INT. TINHORN SALOON - EVENING

GILBAN TRICKEY

Thanks for meeting me for a drink, Nova. I was hoping we could get to know each other better, since I'm working for you.

SOUND: DRINKS CLINKING

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Cheers! I've never seen anything like this! The lights, all these crazy machines. Those girls dancing, are they...?

Hovering. Those are the "Hovering Go-Go’s".

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What did you say this place is?

GILBAN TRICKEY

It's a casino called the Tinhorn Saloon. Basically it's a haven, if you're addicted to gambling.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Isn't addiction usually frowned on?

GILBAN TRICKEY

On the station, it's encouraged because it feeds the economy.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Sounds like a sick relationship.

GILBAN TRICKEY

They'll let people die, if it keeps the economy going. Credits above life.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We saw a lot of people sacrificed for the sake of greed back in the colony. I thought people here would be - you know, more human.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Greed is an addiction everywhere. At least here they make your addiction fun.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

If you say so. We had some games of chance on Earth, but it was just underground card games. We would play for food.

Here you play for credits, indentured servitude, or sexual services. There are all kinds of games if you want to try something out.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I'll pass. Was there something in particular you wanted to discuss?

GILBAN TRICKEY

I would like to know you better.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Ok.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Are you happy?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Excuse me?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Are you happy with your current situation?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

My situation?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Yes, you seem to be in service to this Dr. Aldridge, so I was wondering how you feel about working for him.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I'm not in service to anyone. I'm his partner in this mission because I believe in what he's doing.

See? There it is! What "he's" doing. Not what "you're" doing. This isn't your own thing. This is you helping someone else achieve their thing.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What's wrong with that?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Nothing, but haven't you wanted to do something for yourself? Wanted your own dream?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Sure, I guess. I just haven't figured it out yet.

GILBAN TRICKEY

What about artifacts?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What about them?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Ever curious about them?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Not especially.

GILBAN TRICKEY

I'm fascinated by them. I intend to find more after our expedition.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That's why you want us to visit Mars right? We're helping you find an artifact.

Exactly, and a very special one. Did you know that the first humans that tried to colonize Mars were the first to discover alien artifacts? Imagine an entire Mars civilization from thousands of years ago!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Sounds interesting.

GILBAN TRICKEY

“Interesting” doesn't begin to scratch the surface! You really should consider joining me after we're done on this mission with your friend. We could continue to travel the stars together looking for more.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Isn't that me just helping you with your dream, though?

GILBAN TRICKEY

No! Are you crazy? This is totally different! This would be your own thing, it's not the same because we'd each find our own artifacts!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Um, that's really nice but...

GILBAN TRICKEY

Some of them are rumored to harness power or a curse!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I'm surprised an engineer is so interested in this. You guys don't seem like the superstitious type.

Engineering, math, it's all fun, but it's work. This is my passion... Study of ancient cultures, learning how the savage civilizations lived. Human sacrifice.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yeah, that's fascinating stuff.

GILBAN TRICKEY

It is, my parents got me into it.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I bet your parents weren't boring.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Not at all. They were always very attentive, teaching me about all kinds of things. They used to tell me about ancient Earth cultures that had cannibals.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Wow. They told you about this when you were a kid?

GILBAN TRICKEY

I grew up with these stories. Once I heard there was a possibility of discovering ancient alien cultures I became obsessed. My dad was the one who got me into the experiments.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Experiments?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Yeah, you know. Everyone here has hobbies.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What kind of experiments?

Oh the usual stuff. Hey, do you trust this Aldridge?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Uh, yes. As a matter of fact, I do. He and I have been through a lot. He's a good man.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Alright. I would keep an eye on him, if I were you. This place tends to bring out people's ambitions in ugly ways. Ambition can change a person.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Thanks for the tip.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Don't worry. I'm an experienced deep space engineer; I can get us through the shit, if it comes up. I'm solid in a crisis.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That's good to know.

GILBAN TRICKEY

It is. You can put all your faith and trust in me. Have another drink. Let's play some games!

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS, COMMUNICATOR ALERT SOUND

INT. MAX HUXLEY'S QUARTERS - NIGHT

ASTRID

Incoming transmission, private channel. Encryption key required.

Max HUXLEY

Max Huxley, key 9-A-L-Q-32-B.

(voice sounds like 5 voices combined)

Good evening, Mr. Huxley.

MAX HUXLEY

Good evening overseers of The 5. How may I serve?

THE 5

We understand the Rex woman has accepted the contract.

MAX HUXLEY

She has.

THE 5

You understand the importance of the contract, yes?

MAX HUXLEY

I do. I have taken measures to assure success.

THE 5

Excellent. That contract is the key to what we're trying to accomplish.

MAX HUXLEY

Please know that completion of the contract will take some time.

THE 5

Time is irrelevant to us. As long as the task is complete that is all that matters. No one must know of our involvement.

MAX HUXLEY

I have a source on their crew that will only report to me.

We are concerned about Aldridge. You need to ensure that there is no interference.

MAX HUXLEY

Aldridge and the rest will not be allowed to get in our way.

END OF EPISODE 9