VOID - SEASON 3, EPISODE 2
Written by Sean McKnight
With Jeni Miller
The Genesis Fountainhead
VOID PODCAST LLC Copyright ©2021 voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
Season 3, episode 2. During the last episode of VOID, Nova had started her training under the guidance of Captain Rex. Serebella revealed to Jonas that they weren’t the only humans in space. Ursula started working through the loss of her twin brother. And Gideon prepared the away team for their mission to the moon.
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - NIGHT
SOUND: BRIDGE INTERIOR, BUTTONS AND SWITCH SOUNDS
REGINA REX
Ok everyone, we’re beginning our approach to the outpost. Away team, please finish boarding preparations and assemble on the control deck once we dock. Gideon you have the lead.
SOUND: MORE BUTTONS BEING PRESSED
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
What do you say rookie, are you ready to give me a hand docking this beast?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Absolutely captain.
REGINA REX
Great. Time to knock on the front door.
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED, KEYBOARD SOUNDS
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Attention Genesis Fountainhead, this is Regina Rex, captain of The Ching She. Requesting permission to dock.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
They named a breeder outpost the Genesis Fountainhead?
REGINA REX
Yeah, they’re a bit full of themselves.
SOUND: STATIC THEN CLEARING UP
OUTPOST CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
(over speaker)
Greetings Ching She, we have you on our scopes. What is your intention?
REGINA REX
We’re here to meet with your organization to discuss your products. We have several doctors on board conducting research.
OUTPOST CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Very good! Please proceed to docking bay 1. Coordinates are RA 2- 41-16, DEC is 89-13-2.
REGINA REX
Roger, docking bay 1.
SOUND: KEYBOARD, COMPUTER SOUNDS
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Go ahead and power down the auxiliary boosters.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Powering down auxiliary boosters.
REGINA REX
Now adjust the pitch my -5%.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Adjusting pitch by -5%.
REGINA REX
And the yaw by 2.3 degrees.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yaw adjusted by 2.3.
SOUND: ENGINES POWERING DOWN
REGINA REX
Main engines are down to 5%, good. Now we’re just going to coast her fat ass in there. I hate their docking bays, they’re so damn small.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You’ve been here before?
REGINA REX
Oh yes, Gideon has had dealings with this place for awhile.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What kind of dealings?
REGINA REX
I try not to ask too many questions. I just know he’s really pissed off about it.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
He should be, what they’re doing is terrible!
REGINA REX
Lowering speed. There it is.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Damn, the outpost is a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be.
REGINA REX
It’s bigger than it looks. It’s just not big on the surface, they’re trying to keep a low profile. There’s a lot more underground.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
How did they tunnel down into the moon?
REGINA REX
They didn’t. They built the outpost in one of it’s deepest canyons.
Prime the reverse thrusters.
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED, SWITCHES FLIPPED
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Reverse thrusters primed.
REGINA REX
Almost there. Let’s hit the brakes. Engage reverse thrusters.
SOUND: THRUSTERS
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Reverse thrusters engaged.
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED
REGINA REX
Genesis Fountainhead control, we have arrived at docking bay 1.
Awaiting instruction.
OUTPOST CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
We see you Ching She. Docking bay doors opening.
SOUND: LARGE METALLIC DOORS SLIDING OPEN
OUTPOST CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1 (CONT'D)
Docking bay door is open. You are cleared to land on pad 1.
REGINA REX
Roger, pad 1.
SOUND: KEYBOARD, BUTTONS PRESSED
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Extend landing gear.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Extending landing gear.
SOUND: LANDING GEAR ARMS EXTENDING
REGINA REX
Let’s set her down.
SOUND: ENGINE SOUNDS, SHIP LANDING, BUTTONS PRESSED, ENGINES WINDING DOWN
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Genesis Fountainhead control, we have landed on pad 1.
OUTPOST CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1
Affirmative, closing bay doors, one moment.
SOUND: LARGE METALLIC DOORS SLIDING SHUT
OUTPOST CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR #1 (CONT'D)
Bay doors closed, you may disembark. Welcome to the Genesis Fountainhead where life is precious. Our greeters will be waiting to assist you.
REGINA REX
Thank you control, Ching She out.
SOUND: SWITCHES BEING FLIPPED
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Ok away team, you’re up.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD DOCKING BAY #1 - EVENING
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Greetings, greetings! So nice to receive you. My name is Adina, I’ll be your liaison during your time here.
GIDEON JUDGE
Hello Adina, my name is Gideon Judge. Perhaps you’ve heard my name around here?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
No, can’t say that I have, sorry.
GIDEON JUDGE
Very well. This is the rest of my crew - Dr. Ursula Nash, Dr. Jonas Aldridge, Captain Nova Bayflower, and our security officer Serebella Reon. I’m here to meet with Dr.
Yehuda Salazar.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
I’m afraid Dr. Salazar is in the middle of a delicate procedure and cannot be disturbed.
GIDEON JUDGE
Please inform Dr. Salazar that I am here, he will know my name.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
I’m sorry that’s quite impossible as there are strict orders to never disturb the doctor in the middle of his work. May I ask the nature of your visit?
GIDEON JUDGE
Research. I need to discuss some of the finer points of your operation with the good doctor.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
In that case I can help you get started with your research until Dr. Salazar is available. Would you like a tour of our facility?
GIDEON JUDGE
Yes, I think that would be prudent. I’d like to see how the facility has been expanded.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Oh you’re familiar with our operation then?
GIDEON JUDGE
You could say that.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Excellent, let’s begin the tour.
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, LIGHT MUSIC, FOUNTAIN SOUND
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD ATRIUM - EVENING
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Welcome to the Genesis Fountainhead, “where life is precious”, this is our atrium.
URSULA NASH
That’s a beautiful fountain, it’s quite large.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Yes, we like to make an impression on our clientele. We feel it heightens the experience of the overall process.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s having an impact. What are these floors made from?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
They’re made from the moon itself but designed to look like marble from the Earth of the old times during the apex of mankind’s cultural achievements.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Wow. The ceiling is really high. I love that you can see space through the dome.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Awe-inspiring, isn’t it? Now then; let’s officially proceed with the tour. My name is Adina Salazar, Grand Liaison of...
SEREBELLA REON
(cutting her off)
Are you related to Dr. Salazar?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
(flustered, thrown off balance)
What? No. Everyone born here is graced with the surname Salazar as he is the father to all who are brought into life. If I may be allowed to continue... My name is Adina Salazar, Grand Liaison of the Genesis Fountainhead. I welcome you on behalf of our benevolent, visionary founder Dr. Yehuda Salazar. Please follow me.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS, MUSIC CHANGES TO MORE GRANDIOSE “DOCUMENTARY STYLE” BACKDROP MUSIC
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD FOUNDATION HALL - EVENING
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
The Genesis Fountainhead was established in 2053 by Dr. Yehuda Salazar.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS STOP, MUSIC CONTINUES, “SLIDESHOW” SOUNDS
GIDEON JUDGE
(to himself)
I’m sure he loves the size of that picture.
Excuse me?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
GIDEON JUDGE
I said that’s a great picture.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Yes it is. Dr. Salazar founded the facility after leaving Earth’s colony and recruiting his team from the space station New Hope. He felt that he had to go beyond the limitations of what both Earth and the station had to offer. Once he explained his concepts to other scientists, people began to realize that he is ahead of his time. He saw the potential for our product well before our clients understood their needs for it.
URSULA NASH
How do you define your “product” specifically?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Very simply as anthropoid fabrication.
URSULA NASH
You manufacture human beings.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Mostly. We have done variations from time to time for special orders. Let’s continue onto operations...
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING, HATCH CLOSING, SOOTHING SOUNDS IN THE BACKGROUND (STREAMS OF WATER, WIND BLOWING, ETC.), LIGHT MACHINERY
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD INCEPTION COMPLEX - EVENING
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
This is our inception complex. Anthropoids are produced using one of 2 methods. One is through the use of organic matter synthesizers and in vitro fertilization. Part of the process is borrowed from an ancient Earth birthing tradition known as “test tube” babies.
Imagine! Growing children in tubes, how primitive!
SOUND: ADINA SNICKERING TO HERSELF
(MORE)
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON (CONT'D)
The second method we employ is natural childbirth by women used as inception chambers through artificial insemination. The women carry the child to term at 3 months and give birth the old fashion way.
SEREBELLA REON
Wow, so no men necessary, how about that? What’s with the weird sounds?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Those are what are called “nature” sounds to provide a soothing atmosphere.
URSULA NASH
Wait, 3 months? Isn’t that 6 months too soon?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Not at all, once the woman is pregnant, she’s injected with hormone accelerators that expedite the process more quickly. That way there’s a shorter waiting time until she is impregnated again.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
The women give birth to more than one child?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
A breeder will give birth to many children during the course of her lifetime.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What happens to these women when they get older?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Once they’re done producing as breeders, the ones that can still walk often retire as nursing aides. Some elect to be released into the great expanse if their bodies are too broken. Others donate their bodies for harvesting.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Where do these women come from?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
The first breeders were from the space station and arrived here with Dr. Salazar. Our latest generation of breeders were born right here, like me!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You were born here?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Yes, some of those born are recruited to assist in keeping Dr. Salazar’s vision alive and moving toward the future. We are indoctrinated from birth with our purpose in life.
URSULA NASH
Purpose? What kind of purpose? Who determines that?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Dr. Salazar or the clients determine our purpose. I’ll speak more on that later when we reach programming. Let’s continue on to Testing Level 1.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, COMPUTER SOUNDS, KEYBOARDS BEING USED, MACHINES IN USE
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON (CONT'D)
This is our first phase of testing. The testing here is being conducted to ensure that life has begun. We evaluate both the in vitro growth chambers and the breeders. Once the presence of a zygote is verified, the process moves on to the next phase.
URSULA NASH
And what happens if the child is determined to have some sort of birth defect? Do you conduct abortions to make sure the children are born without being crippled or brain-dead?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Oh heavens no! Every life is precious! We would never perform such a heretical act! Any product that shows signs of life is born without question. Those that are confirmed without life are reaped for stem cells.
URSULA NASH
What if a child is born brain dead or crippled in some way? Who takes care of them?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
We don’t run into that very often but when it does happen the child is placed in a comfort chamber for the duration of their lives.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How does a comfort chamber work?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
It’s really quite elegant. The child is placed in the chamber once they’ve been labeled as a defect.
They are connected to feeding and waste removal tubes and administered with constant sedatives. Their eyes and limbs are taken to be used for sales or other purposes. Once they pass, their remaining organs are extracted for other revenue streams and their bodies are recycled. They feel nothing but a state of everlasting bliss for their entire lives. They live without a care in the world.
Isn’t that nice? All the machinery is self-automated so we don’t have to waste resources to care for them since the chambers do all the work.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Very, uh, efficient.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Sure is! Let’s go to growth acceleration!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENS, FOOTSTEPS, BUBBLING SOUNDS, MACHINERY, INJECTION SOUNDS
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON (CONT'D)
In this area, growth accelerators are added. This procedure reduces the overall process by two-thirds. Dr. Salazar is working on a new formula that he says will cut the time down from 3 months to 3 weeks. Isn’t that exciting?
SEREBELLA REON
I’m sure the breeders can’t wait.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Oh you know it! Everyone is really looking forward to being able to produce more product. The birthing sanctuary is coming up!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING, SOOTHING AMBIENT SOUNDS, MECHANICAL SOUNDS, “STICKY”, LIQUID SOUNDS, WOMEN SCREAMING, BABIES CRYING
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON (CONT'D)
This is the birthing sanctuary where life begins anew! You can see how the in vitro pods form the final fetus here on the monitor.
Over there you can witness some of our breeders giving birth right now!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Those women seem like they’re in a lot of pain, don’t you give them painkillers?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
No! Certainly not! That might taint the product. This is why we call the children made from breeders “pure births”. Once pregnant, there is no interference from machinery or man, only God’s influence and wisdom guide the way. Our clients pay a premium price for our pure products I can assure you! Once born, they’re moved to the incubation wing over here.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON (CONT'D)
Incubation lasts about 10 days where they are treated with another growth acceleration treatment as well as dosed with low levels of gamma and neutron radiation.
URSULA NASH
Excuse me, did you say radiation?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Yes to obviously reinforce the product for transportation and conditions of space.
URSULA NASH
Right, of course.
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
One of my favorite parts is coming up next!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, KEYBOARDS BEING USED, COMPUTER TERMINAL SOUNDS, CLICKING, SWITCHES BEING FLIPPED, BABY SOUNDS
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON (CONT'D)
After incubation the infants are connected to our programming appliances. This is where the product’s purpose is defined for them.
SEREBELLA REON
There are a lot of babies in here. Why aren’t any of them crying?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Crying is one of the very first things the child is programmed for. Or should I say, not programmed for!
(begins laughing to herself doesn’t notice that no-one else is laughing)
We eliminate crying from their personality matrix.
SEREBELLA REON
You mean they’re unable to cry?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
No, they can physically cry as some of our clients enjoy that feature. They’re just not inclined to cry on their own unless instructed to do so.
SEREBELLA REON
(horrified) That’s crazy!
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
(oblivious to Serebella’s tone)
I know! The technology is wonderful isn’t it?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What sort of programming do they receive?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
There’s a standard package we start with. Beside the crying modifier, the product is conditioned to be docile and self-sufficient for things like waste disposal and sustenance consumption. Health regulation is also put in place.
This way our client has no maintenance issues to contend with. The product takes care of itself.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And from there?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
From there, whatever indoctrination the product receives is determined by the client unless Dr. Salazar is working on one of his projects.
GIDEON JUDGE
Projects? What kind of projects?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
I’m afraid I’m not a liberty to discuss that.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What kind of programs are offered?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Our product line runs the gamut of the imagination! Our products are sold for things like companionship, labor, sports, fighting, security, entertainment, military use, sexual activities, food, fuel, you name it!
SEREBELLA REON
Food and fuel?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Oh yes, but not to worry, those products are conditioned to not feel pain or even to realize what’s happening to them.
SEREBELLA REON
I thought all life is precious?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
It certainly is! Life can be used for so many purposes once the product is born! This very outpost is powered by the product itself!
SEREBELLA REON
You mean you’re using children as batteries?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
No, no, most of them are full grown adults now. The human body generates 100 watts of power while simply at rest but can generate up to over 2,000 watts if stimulated! The last phases are coming up!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, KEYBOARDS BEING TYPED, SCANNING SOUNDS
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON (CONT'D)
This is our quality assurance testing facility. We administer the last evaluations here before delivery to ensure excellence of the client’s merchandise.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What if the programming doesn’t take?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Then we run the product through the procedure one more time.
URSULA NASH
And if they fail a second time?
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
We put them to use as our workforce for maintenance and other purposes. Who do you think crafted all this moon marble? We need keep the place up for the sake of appearances don’t we?
URSULA NASH
I guess so.
GIDEON JUDGE
Thank you for the thorough tour, when do you expect I can see Dr. Salazar?
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LIAISON
Here he is now! Good day Dr. Salazar!
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Hello Gideon.
END OF EPISODE 2