VOID - SEASON 2, EPISODE 11

Written by Sean McKnight

With Jeni Miller

Unresolved Business

NARRATOR

Season 2, episode 11. During the last episode of VOID the depth of Serebella's addiction was revealed to go deeper than suspected. The crew went through painful body modifications in preparation for their journey. Gideon Judge announced his departure to his followers. And Nova came to the decision she was leaving the mission.

INT. THE CHING SHE - CONTROL DECK - MORNING

SOUND: INTERIOR OF SPACESHIP WITH ENGINES IDLING, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING

GILBAN TRICKEY

Permission to come aboard.

REGINA REX

Permission granted. Hello, Gilban.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Hello, Regina. Pleasure to be working with you again.

REGINA REX

Cut the shit, Gilban. This contract is business and that's it. We don't have to pretend to like each other.

GILBAN TRICKEY

I love how you get right to the point. That's good. I don't know if I could have kept that charade up anyway. You don't seem surprised.

REGINA REX

I saw your name on the crew list. You have your usual quarters on the engineering deck.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Thanks.

REGINA REX

Try not to blow anything up this time.

GILBAN TRICKEY

That's not fair. The explosion in the aft engine wasn't my fault.

REGINA REX

The hell it wasn't. I told you to back off on the compressors.

GILBAN TRICKEY

They would have held, if you didn't push the engines so damn hard! I told you the limit was set at 5G!

REGINA REX

If I hadn't pushed it, we wouldn't be here right now, and you damn well know it! You had to do it your way! And you disobeyed a direct order.

GILBAN TRICKEY

I did what I thought was right for the ship.

REGINA REX

So did I. And my right out-ranks your right as the owner and captain of this ship. Do we have an understanding of who is in charge? Or should I lobby to have you replaced for the good of this mission?

GILBAN TRICKEY

(reluctantly conceding) You're in charge.

I'm sorry; I didn't catch that.

GILBAN TRICKEY

I said: “you're in charge”! I'll do as you say.

REGINA REX

Good. For the sake of morale, let's start with a clean slate. What do you say? Shake hands and move on?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Sure.

SOUND: HANDS SHAKING

REGINA REX

What was your payment? What are we doing?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Well, since we're going to the Mars station...

REGINA REX

The artifacts again?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Yes. The big one this time.

REGINA REX

Gideon isn't going to be happy about that.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Superstitious fool. There's nothing to be afraid of.

REGINA REX

Don't be insulting!

GILBAN TRICKEY

Oh, sorry, I forgot you meditate with him.

That's none of your concern. Just be tolerant and respectful. I know how you look down on others’ beliefs. I will not accept that here.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Understood.

REGINA REX

How dangerous is this going to be?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Shouldn't be bad.

REGINA REX

You said that before and people died, Gilban.

GILBAN TRICKEY

I can't help it if people aren't as cautious as they should be!

Nobody saw those storms coming.

REGINA REX

I guess.

GILBAN TRICKEY

This time I have the coordinates much more refined. We won't have to walk for long before finding the marker.

REGINA REX

Just make sure everyone has their shit together for this, ok?

GILBAN TRICKEY

Will do. Where do you want me to start calibrations?

REGINA REX

Start with the thrusters, I haven't been getting the power out of them I want.

GILBAN TRICKEY

Roger.

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

INT. NOVA'S QUARTERS - DAY

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Hey! I've been trying to reach you on the communicator.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(sounding like she's recovering from a terrible hangover)

I put it on voice mail. You woke me.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It's mid day, I thought you'd be up.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

It's mid day?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes, although it's hard to tell in space. I just go by the clocks.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Why are you so perky?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I feel great! Don't you? My body feels amazing and we're back to normal!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(*growling sound)

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I'm sorry, except for your hair of course. I'm told it will grow back.

Yeah, thanks.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

At least our voices are restored, and we're not purple anymore.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

At least there's that.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You seem really hungover.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That's because I was drinking last night.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Nova, they told us not to drink so close to...

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(cutting him off)

Ok, dad! Please spare me one of your lectures; I'm not in the mood right now.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sorry, I didn't mean to...

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You know what? Maybe now is a good time.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

A good time for what?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

For having a talk about this mission.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I'm so glad you said that! I was coming here for that very reason!

You were?

(hesitantly)

Well, good, look ... I'm not sure how to say this...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Can I interrupt?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yeah, go ahead.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, BUTTONS BEING PRESSED, COFFEE MACHINE STARTING UP

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I was thinking about your role in the mission.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That's funny, so was I.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

And I've come to the conclusion that you should be captain with me. We'd be equals. Regina is in charge of the ship, but we would be in charge of overseeing everything else.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You mean I'd be a captain, too?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes! If we disagree on something, then Regina can act as tiebreaker. It's fair. I was thinking about all you sacrificed, Nova. This mission never would have been possible without you getting us here, and taking care of me when I was injured. You found most of our crew, too. I can't tell you how important you've been.

I don't know what to say.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I have no way to pay you for your part in this. I was thinking that with the experience of running the missions with me, it would look great on your CV for your future here. I can't imagine you want to go back to Earth; and I won't ask that of you. So once we discover a new home planet, you'd be clear to build a new life wherever you want.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Well yeah, you're right; that kind of experience would go a long way.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

So what do you say? I'm in way over my head, and I need you to be my full-on partner.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I, uh, yes! Ok. Yes. I accept.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Thank you! I'm really relieved you said ‘yes’. I was worried you wanted to just get away from me with everything we've been through.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What? No! I have no idea why you would think that.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sorry. What did you want to talk to me about? You said you wanted to talk.

Oh, uh, well, I wanted to warn you about that red liqueur in the booze cabinet. It has quaaludes in it. A lot of quaaludes.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, BAR SOUNDS, FOOTSTEPS

INT, COCKPIT LOUNGE - DAY

DELIVA FLUR

Regina, you bitch!

REGINA REX

If it isn't my old pal - Deliva Flur. What hole did you crawl out of?

DELIVA FLUR

That contract is mine!

REGINA REX

What contract?

DELIVA FLUR

You know damn well I mean the Cambridge contract.

REGINA REX

Well, if it's yours, why is my name on it?

DELIVA FLUR

You're going to pay for stealing it from me. I will have it back.

REGINA REX

I didn't steal anything! Don't blame me for yourfailures.

DELIVA FLUR

Do they know? Do they know how your ship fell apart the last time you tried?

REGINA REX

That was only my first go at it. Shit happens.

DELIVA FLUR

Yes, it does. It's dangerous in space, isn't it? It would be a shame if something happened to you, your ship, or your crew while you were out there.

REGINA REX

Are you threatening me?

DELIVA FLUR

I'm just saying what you said, shit happens.

REGINA REX

And what about you? Wasn't your last shot at the contract like what, your fifth attempt?

DELIVA FLUR

Shut up.

REGINA REX

Didn't your twin die on that last try? And more than your twin, you lost something like four people, right?

DELIVA FLUR

(getting upset)

Stop talking or I'm going to gut you.

REGINA REX

I read the logs. I believe the main problem was "poor judgement" from what the remaining witnesses said about your job as a captain.

DELIVA FLUR

That's it!

SOUND: KNIFE BEING UNSHEATHED, REGINA STANDING UP, FOOTSTEPS, A TASER BEING USED, BODY HITTING THE FLOOR

REGINA REX

Yeah, that's it alright.

COCKPIT BARTENDER

(from the bar area) Awww, c'mon, Regina!

REGINA REX

She started it! I was just sitting here enjoying a drink on my last day here, and she has to go and mess it all up!

COCKPIT BARTENDER

I'm sure it's not your fault; it's never your fault.

REGINA REX

Damn right. I was defending myself.

COCKPIT BARTENDER

As always. Yo, bouncer! Can you pick Deliva up off the floor please?

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, LAB SOUND

INT. ANKO LUMEN'S LABORATORY - EVENING

ANKO LUMEN

Astrid, record science log 3, Titan project.

ASTRID

Affirmative, but first a word from our sponsor.

VOICE OVER

(voice over with contemporary music bed)

Red Lotus Bitter, made with a bold combination of wormwood, orange peel, cardamom, juniper berries, rhubarb and sage. All this wonderfully infused with 3000mg of top shelf quaaludes for a smooth and satisfying euphoria as you've never experienced before! Red Lotus Bitter, available anywhere, comes in various dosages.

ANKO LUMEN

Hmmm, I have to try that one.

ASTRID

Recording science log 3, Titan project, in 3, 2, 1...

ANKO LUMEN

Anko Lumen, Titan project, science log 3. We leave tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I've learned we won't be going to Titan first. As expected, there are other contracts we have to fulfill, so it appears our first stop will be the moon; Mars will be second; then we have to make it through the belt, and finally Titan. The argument will come up that Europa is on the way to Titan, so we should stop there first. But, a contract is a contract, and Aldridge's pointless pipe dream of colonizing Europa will have to wait. Besides, once I prove the validity of colonizing Titan, it won't matter. All equipment is loaded and ready to go. Now the real work begins, as I'll have to train these oafish cretins how to properly assist me. Astrid, end science log 3.

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

INT. NOVA'S QUARTERS - EVENING

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Hello, oh, it's you, Cyrus.

CYRUS HATCH

Hey, Nova. I know you're upset with me, but I thought I'd stop by to make amends. What the hell happened to your hair?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Don't even go there.

CYRUS HATCH

Ok, may I come in?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Uh, sure.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH CLOSING

CYRUS HATCH

I felt bad about the way things ended the last time we talked, I wanted to apologize. I behaved like a jerk, and I'm sorry. I guess seeing you again threw off my emotions a bit.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

(skeptical)

Thanks. That's nice of you... apology accepted, I guess.

CYRUS HATCH

Great. How did you do with your crew hunt?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

We found everyone we were looking for. We leave tomorrow.

You actually did it?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Why do you sound so surprised?

CYRUS HATCH

The Nova I know was more into drinking and having a good time. I just figured you were spending your time here in the bars.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

CYRUS HATCH

Come on, Nova. Back on Earth you were the party girl who was fun to hang out with. You know - drink, get into fights, and fun in the sack.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

And what? You didn't think I would ever grow past that?

CYRUS HATCH

Not likely. Look what happened when you got here! The first thing you did was go drinking with me.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You insisted!

CYRUS HATCH

And it was sooooo hard to convince you to go right?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

That's not fair. This is the first time I get to experience something like this place and you're faulting me for it.

I'm just saying that old habits die hard or not at all.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Things have changed. I'm not the same person you knew back in the colony.

CYRUS HATCH

(patronizing, trying to gaslight her)

Yes you are. I know you better than you know yourself.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Oh really? Then you'll be surprised to know that I was officially made a captain of the missions we're on. And that came from someone who, unlike you, actually believes in my capabilities!

CYRUS HATCH

You? A captain? What a joke! You can't be serious! You'll get everyone on the ship killed.

You're not ready for that!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Who are you to tell me who I am and what I'm ready for?

CYRUS HATCH

You may have all your new friends fooled, but you can't fool me, Nova. I know you.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Not anymore, you don't.

(ignoring her)

Speaking of your new friends... You have this whole crew because of me.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Not true, we found people beyond the list you gave me. I appreciate the help getting started but...

CYRUS HATCH

(cutting her off)

But without my list, you wouldn't have had a start at all - so I'd say you owe me.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What did you just say?

CYRUS HATCH

Yeah, without my help you wouldn't have shit right now. You and your little boyfriend would have to get jobs and be stuck here like everyone else! It's not fair that you get a deep space contract right when you get here!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

So that's what this is about. You're jealous!

CYRUS HATCH

That's got nothing to do with anything!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You are jealous! You're upset that I have a contract and you don't.

You're stuck working here as a - wait- what are you doing here anyway?

That's classified.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You're not in the military anymore! You're a civilian working as...

CYRUS HATCH

None of your business!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I would guess you're still a pilot because that's all you know how to do, but I bet it's something like, I don't know, you handle garbage removal...

CYRUS HATCH

Not true! We recycle everything here. The stuff I deliver is important!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You're a delivery boy? You get to fly from one end of the station to the other! How exciting that must be!

CYRUS HATCH

Never mind that. We need to discuss payment!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Payment?

CYRUS HATCH

Yeah. Since finding your crew was dependent on me, I insist you take me with you as the new co-pilot.

(laughing)

You are so delusional if you think for a micro-second that I would add you to our crew. And as captain, I could totally do that, but I'm not going to!

CYRUS HATCH

You owe me!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You were already compensated! Remember? I owe you nothing!

CYRUS HATCH

Ok, well, if you're not going to add me to the crew, then another payment we can go with is sex! I demand you have sex with me again!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Also not going to happen. We had our fun, but that's over ...um, for good.

CYRUS HATCH

(getting aggressive)

I'm not leaving without getting compensated Nova.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, STRUGGLING, PUNCHING, FIGHTING, BODY HITTING THE FLOOR

NOVA BAYFLOWER

If you ever try to touch me again, I'll kick your teeth down your throat. Now get out!

SOUND: CYRUS GETTING BACK TO HIS FEET, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING

CYRUS HATCH

(talking through a broken nose)

You broke my nose!! You're lucky I was holding back because you're a woman!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Or just maybe you've always been a weak, weak, little man.

SOUND: NOVA SHOVING CYRUS OUT, HATCH CLOSING, TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS

INT. JONAS’ QUARTERS - NIGHT

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Astrid, compose personal transmission. Delivery recipient is on Earth, Colony 1A, Gerald Daniels. Use encrypted channel 5, P, 17, C, 32.

ASTRID

Confirming encrypted channel 5, P, 17, C, 32. One moment.

SOUND: PROCESSING SOUND

ASTRID

Channel confirmed. Composing transmission to Gerald Daniels in 3, 2, 1…

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Hey, Gerald, Jonas here. Sorry it's been awhile, but I've been a little distracted since our arrival onto the station. Our plan unfolded as we discussed, sort of anyway. Regardless, we have our crew and our ship. We depart tomorrow, and I have to tell you that I'm a bit nervous. I've never done anything even remotely like this, and I have no idea what is going to happen or even what I'm doing really. I'm sure you would get a good laugh about that and probably pass me a drink. I'm really sorry you aren't here to experience this place; you would love it. The decadence alone would fascinate you, never mind the incredible experiments!

(pause a beat)

I don't know what's happened to you. I know you were taken in by Harlow. I can only hope whatever she did is over and that you've healed from it. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, Gerald. I hope to make up for that when we return.

Once we launch, I won't be able to reach out after we're out of transmission range. I'll try to send another message whenever I can. Until then, stay strong and don't let them tear you down, my friend. Astrid, end transmission and send.

END OF EPISODE 11