VOID - SEASON 2, EPISODE 12

Written by Sean McKnight

With Jeni Miller

Season 3 Finale - The Journey Begins

NARRATOR

Season 2, episode 12. In the last episode of VOID, Regina Rex and Gilban Trickey confronted their past conflicts and endeavored to move beyond them. Nova and Jonas reached an agreement for Nova to assume the role as full captain, working as a partner with Jonas. Finally, Nova and Jonas both faced unresolved business with Cyrus Hatch and Gerald Daniels as the crew prepares for launch. Welcome to the Season Two finale of VOID.

INT. THE CHING SHE - CONTROL DECK - DAY SOUND: INTERIOR OF SHIP, LIGHT MUSIC PLAYING

GIDEON JUDGE

...And on this day I offer this dedication - That I, Gideon Judge, will protect this expedition, this ship, and this crew with all the metaphysical might that is at my disposal. I offer my spiritual guidance to the crew, or my aide in any other capacity in which I am needed. And finally, I offer my consecration to our mission, as well as all other related contracts.

SOUND: MUSIC STOPS

REGINA REX

Thank you, Gideon that was lovely. I take it you've settled into your quarters.

GIDEON JUDGE

Yes, Captain, ready to serve.

SOUND: HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS

REGINA REX

Ms. Reon, nice of you to show up for your duties. You're only 45 minutes late.

SEREBELLA REON

Sorry. I thought we didn't leave for an hour.

REGINA REX

We don't, but your time for the crew call was 45 minutes ago. I was getting ready to contact the other captains.

SEREBELLA REON

Hey, I'm sorry, ok?

REGINA REX

You're behind in your prep, so I suggest you catch up. You can go to your quarters after you run a security check. Put your things over there for now. I want you to begin a full sweep of the exterior, and then the interior.

SEREBELLA REON

Yes, ma'am.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, BUNDLE OF BELONGINGS BEING SET DOWN

REGINA REX

Ms. Reon, don't make this kind of thing a habit.

SEREBELLA REON

No ma'am. I won't.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, CHING SHE PERSONAL QUARTERS

ANKO LUMEN

Astrid, record science log 4, Titan project.

ASTRID

Affirmative, recording science log 4, Titan project, in 3, 2, 1...

ANKO LUMEN

Anko Lumen, Titan project, science log 4. Here in my personal quarters aboard the Ching She. All equipment for the Titan project is loaded and stowed. I'll begin training once we're past the moon. I have to note that for a dreadnought, this ship is surprisingly well-equipped despite my assumptions to the opposite.

I've never worked with this captain before, but I've been told she's capable. As for the rest of the crew, I only know a few by reputation. Most notably Gilban Trickey, whom I hear is a top quality engineer. Good, I have at least one other person to converse with. The doctor on board is supposedly bright, although I never give medical doctors much credit. I find their egos are often overinflated compared to the extensiveness of their intelligence. The Bayflower woman, I really know nothing about, but she's from Earth, so I'm not expecting much. As for Aldridge, from the brief conversations I've had with him, he has the scientific understanding of a child compared to what I know. I don't expect him to be able to challenge me in any way whatsoever.

(continued…)

If anything, he may be able to serve as an assistant at an intern level. The others I'll regard as general grunt workers. Trickey will be most useful assisting me with calibration I imagine. I'll learn more about where everyone can serve the Titan project once we get into deep space. Astrid end science log.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS, MOVING THINGS AROUND, COMMUNICATOR RINGING

INT. URSULA NASH QUARTERS - DAY

ASTRID

Receiving transmission from Max Huxley.

URSULA NASH

Hello, Max!

MAX HUXLEY

(over communicator)

Good day Ursula. I wasn't sure if I was going to catch you before you left.

URSULA NASH

I'm leaving shortly. I'm glad you reached out. I wanted to say ‘thank you’ for all your help.

MAX HUXLEY

It's nothing, my dear.

URSULA NASH

No really, I know you pulled some strings to help me keep my position for when we get back.

They don't necessarily do that for everyone, even while on sabbatical.

MAX HUXLEY

Well the problem is, you don't know how long you'll be out there, but I know how valuable you are here.

URSULA NASH

It's nice being appreciated.

MAX HUXLEY

Speaking of appreciation, I do have a way you can show yours.

URSULA NASH

Absolutely.

MAX HUXLEY

Just stay in touch and let me know how the trip is going.

URSULA NASH

What do you mean?

MAX HUXLEY

All I'd like you to do is send me a transmission whenever you can and keep me informed on how you and the rest of the crew are doing.

URSULA NASH

I can manage that.

MAX HUXLEY

I am concerned about all of you and I want to make sure you're ok.

URSULA NASH

Thanks, Max. I'm grateful you're looking out for us.

MAX HUXLEY

Of course. And please be sure to tell me all the interesting details of your adventures! I'm really eager to hear what exotic places you'll visit, and who else you might meet, and what contracts you're fulfilling! It's all very exciting!

URSULA NASH

It sure is. I'm happy to report in.

MAX HUXLEY

Excellent. Your brother would be proud.

URSULA NASH

That's very nice of you to say Max.

MAX HUXLEY

I'll leave you to it then. I look forward to hearing from you Ursula. Be safe.

ASTRID

Transmission with Max Huxley ended.

URSULA NASH

Astrid open transmission with Jonas Aldridge.

ASTRID

Preparing to open transmission with Jonas Aldridge. First, a word from our sponsor.

VOICE OVER

(voice over with corporate music bed)

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ASTRID

Opening transmission with Jonas Aldridge.

URSULA NASH

Hi, Jonas.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(over communicator) Hey, Ursula, how are you?

URSULA NASH

I'm good. Are you ready to go?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I was just on my way out.

URSULA NASH

Before we board, I wanted to clear the air.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sure. What about?

URSULA NASH

I wanted to apologize for how I felt toward you when everything happened with my brother. Ms.

Bayflower too. It wasn't fair of me to place the blame on your shoulders before finding out the details first.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You have nothing to apologize for. I completely understand and probably would have felt the same way. What happened was terrible, and I feel awful about your loss.

URSULA NASH

It's not your fault, I know that now ... I just want to move on. Can we do that?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Of course! I'm looking forward to our journey together.

URSULA NASH

So am I. I'm also really excited about us getting to know each other.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We'll be spending a lot of time with one another, I imagine we'll have some really engaging conversations.

URSULA NASH

(flirty)

I'm hoping there will be other activities too.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(nervous but excited)

I'm, I, sure, I bet there will be.

URSULA NASH

I'm glad we talked before we left.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

So am I. I guess I'll see you on the ship.

URSULA NASH

I guess you will.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS WALKING, SHIP DOCK SOUNDS

INT. SPACE STATION DOCKING BAY #42

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(walking and talking to himself)

Ok, let's see, docking bay 42… Hey, Nova!

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Jonas! I was just inspecting her.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

This ship is impressive.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

It's a dreadnought class. I spoke with Regina and she's gonna train me so I can co-pilot with her! She said this is a mid-size ship; the cruisers are the big ones.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We've come a long way, haven't we?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yeah. I think so too. I never thought I'd be a captain of a mission in space and co-piloting a ship like this.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I never really thought I'd make it to space, ever.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

How do you think it's going back in the colony? Do you think Gerald is ok?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I don't know. I sent out a transmission yesterday, but never heard back. We can only hope that he's away from Harlow by now.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

What do you think she did to him?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Torture, I'd imagine. It's what she's good at. She calls it "re- conditioning". They won't kill him.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Why not?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

The council needs him and they know it. There are only a handful of scientists left in the colony. They really just want them around as slaves.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Gerald's tough.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That he is, but everyone has their breaking point. I'm also worried about the virus.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I've been thinking about that too. If they found it in the cargo that means it's probably spreading through the colony.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

The station dodged a bullet at the sacrifice of Ursula's brother and the other people working the security detail. I can't imagine what's happening in the colony right now.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

If they don't lock everyone down...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

The whole place will collapse from within. And it will be the council's fault for trying to manipulate such an agent of chaos with that damn virus. Those fools.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

You won't be able to communicate with Gerald for much longer. Once we get past Mars, we'll lose communication, at least with Earth. We can still send transmissions with the station as far out as Jupiter or so.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I'll keep trying as long as I can.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I hope that prick Harris gets his.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Me too. I would love to hear that the revolt just blew up the council's chambers and that Gerald led the charge.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Jonas, I didn't think you would end up a revolt sympathizer.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I'm not really, but with the level of oppression from the council getting worse the people of the colony will need to rise up against them if they want to survive. And if an uprising means overthrowing their leaders, then so be it. Even to violent ends.

The council's avarice will be their undoing.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

I think it's time for us to board.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH CLOSING, SHIP INTERIOR

INT. THE CHING SHE - BOARDING DECK - DAY

REGINA REX

Welcome to the Ching She, Dr. Aldridge and Ms. Bayflower. The Ching She is in the dreadnought class and is a nuclear powered propulsion based ship using ion thrusters and plutonium fuel cells. The ship’s engines are adaptable to other types of fuel, if need be. The ship also uses solar sails, when possible, to conserve fuel. In case of extreme situations we have a negative energy warp drive.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

You have warp technology? I didn't think that even existed.

REGINA REX

It's still experimental, but yes. We've used it before. Once. She also comes with plenty of armor and shielding with mounted guns on all sides.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Why so much firepower?

REGINA REX

You run into all kinds of interesting things in deep space, Ms. Bayflower. That includes other people who don't necessarily have your best interests at heart - and pirates.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Pirates? You mean, like, space pirates? You're joking! Oh, but you're not laughing.

REGINA REX

Laugh all you like, but there are some brutal people throughout the universe that I wouldn't take lightly.

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Sorry. Please call me Nova.

JoNAS ALDRIDGE

And call me Jonas.

REGINA REX

Thanks, you can both call me "Captain". Technically, I work for the two of you, but I'm in charge of the ship; are we clear?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Yes.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Absolutely.

REGINA REX

The ship is fully stocked with enough stores to last us years, especially since our bodies have been modified to have to consume less. I expect no overeating or indulgent snacking. The Ching She has plenty of crew cabins, which you will find on the crew deck.

Your cabins have been assigned to you already. The blue hatch on your right is a lift that will take you to any level you need to access. Jonas, you're in 3C, Nova you're in 2C.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

This ship is pretty large. How do we...?

REGINA REX

You'll find an orientation video in your cabin along with other information. Please look everything over. There are emergency instructions included. There's a meal hall on the entertainment deck which is also where we have a gym and the game room. I suggest you both start a consistent exercise routine. Your muscles can atrophy, if you're not regularly exercising them in space. There will be times we'll need to operate in 0 g and other times we'll be in stasis on the cryo deck. That should be enough to get you both started.

Questions?

NOVA BAYFLOWER

Can you show me the bridge? I would love to talk to you about how everything works.

REGINA REX

Yes, I need to prep for launch anyway. We launch in 30 minutes. If there's anything you'd like to say to the crew let me know.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yeah, I'd like to address everyone before we go, if that's ok. I'll head to my quarters and then meet you on the bridge.

REGINA REX

Fine. Check your room for the ship's map.

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, LIFT DOOR, FOOTSTEPS, SHIP INTERIOR CREW DECK

INT. THE CHING SHE - CREW DECK - DAY

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Ok, looking for...

SOUND: HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Oh, hi, Dr. Lumen!

ANKO LUMEN

Yes, hello, uh, Dr...?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Aldridge, but feel free to call me Jonas.

ANKO LUMEN

Yes, of course, Jonas. You look lost...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I'm looking for my cabin. It's 3C.

ANKO LUMEN

It's down that way to your left.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Thanks.

ANKO LUMEN

So, Dr., I mean Jonas, how many times have you been in space?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

This is my first time.

ANKO LUMEN

So people from the colony didn't get to travel to space much?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Rarely. And only qualified pilots for supply runs. Nothing in deep space.

ANKO LUMEN

I bet this is all very exciting for you.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

It is.

ANKO LUMEN

Tell me, I'm curious about your particular contract, the one that takes us to Europa.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes?

ANKO LUMEN

Forgive me for saying, but you seem ill-prepared for the specific contract you hired everyone else for. You have no equipment of your own; you don't have any deep space experience; and your knowledge of terra-forming is limited at best. At least compared to me. How did you even remotely hope to accomplish the very mission this whole expedition is based on?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I am a bit out of my league, but to answer your question - my answer somewhat hinges on you.

ANKO LUMEN

Me?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes. I stumbled on you accidentally, but once you described your experiments, your passion for your Titan project, along with your knowledge and equipment, it seemed to all fall into place.

ANKO LUMEN

What do you mean?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I just assumed we could discuss sharing resources as colleagues...?

ANKO LUMEN

What makes you think I'm your colleague? My intelligence and education far surpasses anything you've ever learned. In other words, you're beneath me and would better serve me as an assistant, certainly not a colleague.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I suppose I misunderstood the nature of our understanding of each other.

ANKO LUMEN

I suppose you did. And what resources are you bringing to the table? I have all the equipment and knowledge and you have what? A primitive education and that bag you're carrying.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I believe that what I bring to the table is this ship and crew. Now if you can't appreciate that I guess we could delay the launch until I find another scientist who's less of an asshole.

ANKO LUMEN

How dare you!

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I've been nice about your condescending attitude because I need your help. But let's get one thing clear: I'm not your lackey, nor will I be treated as one.

Regina Rex is the captain of this ship, but Nova and I are the heads of the contract missions. If you've got a formal protest regarding leadership, you can voice that with me right now.

ANKO LUMEN

As long as my contract is fulfilled before you waste our time with yours.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Our contract is last, of course. But it would make more sense to go to Europa first, since it's on the way.

ANKO LUMEN

I knew you were going to try that! Absolutely not! The agreement is Titan first and, if need be, then Europa.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What do you mean if need be? You have to fulfill our contract too Dr. Lumen. This isn't just about your project.

ANKO LUMEN

I'll live up to my end of the deal. Once we get to work on Titan you'll see why it's a vastly superior choice to Jupiter's moon. Your contract may become a moot point.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

This isn't about me getting credit for something, Dr. Lumen. It's about finding humanity a new home.

ANKO LUMEN

As long as my name is the only name on the final colonization of Titan.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Whatever your fragile ego needs. Will you move out of my way so I can get to my cabin?

SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, ENGINE SOUNDS, SHIP BRIDGE

INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - DAY

REGINA REX

Ok, everyone, preparing for launch.

SOUND: COMMUNICATOR SWITCH, BUTTONS PRESSED, KEYBOARD SOUNDS

REGINA REX

How are we looking, Gilban?

GILBAN TRICKEY

(over speaker)

Good to go here, captain.

REGINA REX

Great, standby. New Hope control room, this is the Ching She asking for permission to launch from docking bay 42.

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR

(over speaker)

This is New Hope control, one moment Ching She.

(brief pause)

You are clear to detach.

REGINA REX

If you have any words of inspiration, Jonas, now's the time.

SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED, SPEAKER MIC CLICK

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Hey, everyone. Dr. Jonas Aldridge here. I just want to say ‘thank you’ all for being with us on this journey into space. I know some of you have your own interests closest to heart, but I want you all to know that you're part of something greater than yourselves. You're part of a mission in search of a new home for all of us. That includes humans, not just on Earth, but on the station too. We have hope and a chance to save humanity. This could be a fresh start and an opportunity to build a better world for future generations. Thanks again.

REGINA REX

Very nice, go ahead and take a seat over there. Nova, plant yourself next to me.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HARNESS SOUNDS

REGINA REX

New Hope Control, go ahead and release docking locks.

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR

Affirmative, Ching She.

SOUND: DOCKING LOCKS RELEASING, BUTTONS BEING PRESSED, ENGINES WINDING UP

REGINA REX

Alright, we're clearing the station's gravity field now.

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR

You are clear for launch.

REGINA REX

Affirmative control. Primary engine ignition in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! See you on the other side!

SOUND: ENGINES THROTTLING SHIP INTO SPACE, THEME MUSIC END OF EPISODE 12