VOID - SEASON 3, EPISODE 3
Written by Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
Life is Precious™
VOID PODCAST LLC Copyright ©2021 voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
Season 3, episode 3. The Ching She has landed on a birther outpost located on the moon known as the Genesis Fountainhead. Gideon Judge and his away team were afforded an inside look at the outpost’s operations exposing their manufacture and sales of human beings. It was revealed at the end of the last episode that there was history between Gideon and the founder of the outpost Yehuda Salazar.
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD INCEPTION COMPLEX TESTING FACILITY - NIGHT
SOUND: KEYBOARDS, COMPUTERS, MACHINERY
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Gideon Judge, what brings you to the Genesis Fountainhead?
Interested in our products perhaps?
GIDEON JUDGE
Don’t be cute Yehuda. We need to talk.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Certainly, we can head to my office shortly. I trust you’ve been enjoying the tour?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, MACHINES AND COMPUTERS CONTINUED
GIDEON JUDGE
It’s been very enlightening.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
We’ll conclude the tour in the next area. This is our showroom.
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, COMMERCIAL JINGLE STYLE MUSIC IN BACKGROUND
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD PRODUCT SHOWCASE HALL - NIGHT YEHUDA SALAZAR
This is where you get to see our different models and uses of the product in action!
URSULA NASH
It’s like a giant art gallery.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Indeed it is! And you are...
URSULA NASH
Dr. Ursula Nash.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Pleasure to make your acquaintance my good doctor. I’m so glad you’re here. Another person of science is surely someone who can appreciate what we’ve accomplished.
URSULA NASH
(sarcastically)
It is overwhelming, I will say that.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
I’m sure, the Fountainhead typically inspires awe for those who have the opportunity to see it for themselves. Tell me Gideon, who else have you graced us with their presence?
GIDEON JUDGE
I’ll let them speak for themselves.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Very well and who are you sir?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
My name is Dr. Jonas Aldridge.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Excellent! Another doctor! Perfect. I’m sure you’re very excited about what we do here.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Exciting is a word for it to be sure.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
And you miss?
SEREBELLA REON
I’m Serebella Reon, Security officer, don’t mind me I’m just here to make sure everyone’s safe.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
(disapprovingly)
I see. And last but not least.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
My name is Captain Nova Bayflower. I’m the ship co-pilot.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
It is an honor Captain. Welcome, welcome all of you!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What are we looking at here Dr. Salazar?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
These are holographic displays of our various models show in different usages. For example over here is our military line.
SOUND: MUSIC CHANGES TO MILITARY STYLE MUSIC INCLUDING BACKDROP OF “WAR SOUNDS”
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You breed them as soldiers?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Oh yes, soldiers, assassins, one of our more popular models is used for suicide bombings, quite effective. Follow me.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
YEHUDA SALAZAR (CONT'D)
This is our athletic line. Created for the purpose of competing in various sports.
SOUND: MUSIC CHANGES TO SPORTS THEME STYLE, SPORTING ELEMENTS
YEHUDA SALAZAR (CONT'D)
Everything from bloodsport pit fighters, sonic ball, powerbocking, you name it, we’ve manufactured many players for the leagues on the New Hope.
URSULA NASH
Are you serious? I always thought those players were born on the station.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Oh my dear no. Many die in the leagues so there’s quite a deep supply and demand relationship we have with the station. Otherwise the station would run out of teams!
SEREBELLA REON
(to herself) This is obscene.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Let’s continue to our entertainment division.
SOUND: MUSIC CHANGES TO DANCE STYLE MUSIC
YEHUDA SALAZAR (CONT'D)
This is one of my favorite lines, it’s so versatile. These models include musicians, comedians, performers of all kinds really.
Companions, sexual partners, hunting...
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(cutting him off)
I’m sorry, did you just say hunting?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Yes I did. Hunting is one of our more popular fields of entertainment.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So does that mean you create them to help flush out the target?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
No, they are the target.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s, I’m not sure what to say...
YEHUDA SALAZAR
I know how you feel, it’s all so...
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Astonishing. Seemingly unreal.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Exactly. I have to say Gideon, I really like most of your team, there are some very open minds that I see appreciate what we’re doing.
GIDEON JUDGE
That’s all well and good Yehuda. If you’re finished grandstanding I’d like to talk about a more serious matter.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
I wasn’t finished showing all our product lines but if you insist we’ll adjourn to my office. Perhaps your crew would like to explore further?
GIDEON JUDGE
Jonas and Ursula, I’d like you with me. Serebella and Nova, you can continue to look around as you wish.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, HALLWAY BACKGROUND
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD CORRIDOR - NIGHT
NOVA BAYFLOWER
This place is freaking me out.
SEREBELLA REON
To say the least. I can’t believe what they’re doing here.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I can’t believe they’re getting away with it.
SEREBELLA REON
There are no jurisdictions in space, they can do what they want. I really want to blow this place up.
Me too.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
SEREBELLA REON
I’m not kidding. I have thermite grenades, if we plant them in the right place...
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Keep your voice down. We shouldn’t be talking about this.
SEREBELLA REON
Why not? They don’t have shit for security, no-one is around. I don’t see any surveillance equipment anywhere.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
They seem pretty wrapped up in their work here.
SEREBELLA REON
It wouldn’t take much. One explosion could compromise this whole place.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Let’s not jump to any conclusions about what we saw.
SEREBELLA REON
Jump to conclusions? Are you kidding? Can you just ignore what they’re doing here? Because I sure as hell can’t.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I’m just saying this is none of our business.
SEREBELLA REON
What kind of captain are you? I thought you had some guts.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hey! That’s not fair! Who am I to pass judgement?
SEREBELLA REON
I just know that if I see something wrong that’s hurting others, I try to do something about it. Remember how we met?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
That was your job.
SEREBELLA REON
That’s right and it still is.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Let’s at least look around more first.
SEREBELLA REON
Sounds good to me, it will give me a chance to find a vulnerable spot.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, YEHUDA’S OFFICE, FOOTSTEPS, PEOPLE SETTLING INTO CHAIRS
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD YEHUDA SALAZAR’S OFFICE - NIGHT
YEHUDA SALAZAR
All of you please take a seat wherever you like. You look marvelous by the way Gideon, what’s your secret?
GIDEON JUDGE
I could say the same of you, you haven’t aged a day. My secret is healthy living and spirit. What’s yours?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Stem cells. They work wonders for the skin and the aging process.
Can I offer anyone a drink?
GIDEON JUDGE
We didn’t come here to socialize Yehuda.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Onto business then. What can I do for you Gideon?
GIDEON JUDGE
I’d like to know why you cut me out.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
This again, seriously?
GIDEON JUDGE
You know damn well I helped you found this place! Not only am I not mentioned in your founder’s hall but I don’t see any cut in the dividends.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Wait, that’s why you’re upset? You’re pissed off about not getting paid?
GIDEON JUDGE
Please be silent.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Gideon my friend. I think you give yourself too much credit. You had very little to do with establishing this place. You’re misremembering.
GIDEON JUDGE
Am I? Without me you wouldn’t have had the sanctioned approval from the station to even recruit the scientists you used in the first place. This whole place happened because of me.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
It was my concept, my idea. How dare you insinuate...
GIDEON JUDGE
(cutting him off)
And your idea would have been just that if I had not taken over the politics which you knew nothing about.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
You’re delusional.
GIDEON JUDGE
You had just come from the colony on Earth, you understood nothing of the station and didn’t know a soul. You were introduced to me and I opened the doors for you from there. You do remember that, don’t you?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
(slightly conciliatory)
Yes, I suppose you had something to do with networking on my behalf.
GIDEON JUDGE
And when you needed the crew for the construction? Who was your liaison and who helped to arrange the materials?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
What is your point? What do you want? You know we don’t work for credits, I can’t pay you anything!
GIDEON JUDGE
I know that. I want credit where credit is due. I want you to send a message to the 5 acknowledging my efforts in setting this place up and I want more followers.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
You want more followers for your cult?
GIDEON JUDGE
It’s not a cult! But yes, our numbers are dwindling a bit and I want you to fill in the gap. Free of charge.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Out of the question! We’re backlogged with orders as it is for the next 3 years!
URSULA NASH
I can’t believe what I’m listening to. The two of you are actually arguing over who deserves credit and benefits over the sales of human beings.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
And? Your point?
URSULA NASH
This is unspeakable! You can’t do this to people! What about them? What about the children that are created like this?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Oh please, save your hippocratic oath for a universe that cares about these things because this one sure doesn’t.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How can you run a place that uses the slogan “life is precious” but you don’t seem to really support that notion at all? It should be more like “life is for sale”.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Unlike your microscopic view Dr. Aldridge, we see life being worth much more than just being born.
Once birth is offered, the value of life and the profits from it are up to the creators who gave life that chance. I am that creator.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And what choice is offered for the children being born?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
I’m making this much easier for those children by making their choices for them. Ignorance of choice is bliss. Life assigned regardless of choice is still the chance to live, however brief that time may be.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What about their quality of life?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
That’s up to the clients.
URSULA NASH
You’re a monster.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
And you’re naive. Why did you bring these simpletons to my office Gideon? They obviously don’t see eye-to-eye with us.
GIDEON JUDGE
I misjudged their scientific viewpoints, don’t worry I’ll educate them later.
URSULA NASH
You’ll what?
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, DRIPPING SOUNDS, LOWER LEVEL INDUSTRIAL SOUNDS, FOOTSTEPS
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD LOWER LEVEL CORRIDOR - NIGHT
SEREBELLA REON
Where do you think we are?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Not entirely sure but I did see a sign awhile back that said waste disposal. I think we’re about 10 levels below where we started.
SEREBELLA REON
I did see access to their reactors at some point too, that would be a good place to put a charge.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I don’t think that’s a good idea.
SEREBELLA REON
One thermite charge, that’s all we’d need.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I really don’t believe this is our decision to make.
SEREBELLA REON
Why not? That Yehuda guy is making the decisions for everyone of his so-called products. How is that fair? I’m an atheist and even I can see the guy thinks he’s God.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
If this place goes, everyone inside dies probably, right?
SEREBELLA REON
Most likely but what kind of life are we talking about here?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Aren’t we making a decision on their behalf like Dr. Salazar? Aren’t we hypocrites?
SEREBELLA REON
They’re born into slavery with no other options. It seems to me what we’d be doing is merciful.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I think some might consider it murder, not mercy.
SEREBELLA REON
Who is going to know beside our crew?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
These things have a way of being exposed. Hey, do you smell something?
SEREBELLA REON
I sure do, it’s getting worse. (reacting strongly)
Oh wow, it’s gross!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yeah, this is overwhelming! What the hell is causing...
SOUND: GIANT VAULT-LIKE DOOR OPENING, SQUISHY, LIQUID KIND OF SOUNDS, FOOTSTEPS IN SOMETHING WET
SEREBELLA REON
Son of a bitch. Are those...?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Bodies, thousands of them and parts of bodies, everywhere. This is crazy.
SEREBELLA REON
This is disgusting, I thought they said they recycled everything?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Those must be the rejects. The bodies look deformed.
SEREBELLA REON
So they just throw them away? Do you think any of them are alive when they dispose of them?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I have no idea.
SEREBELLA REON
This place needs to be destroyed Captain.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
We need to talk to the crew, let’s head back.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, YEHUDA’S OFFICE
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD YEHUDA SALAZAR'S OFFICE - NIGHT
URSULA NASH
(heated and angry)
You want to run that education thing by me again Gideon?
GIDEON JUDGE
We’ll discuss this later, stand down!
URSULA NASH
No, we’ll talk now!
GIDEON JUDGE
Captain Aldridge, I do believe you have the authority to put the young doctor in her place.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(reluctantly)
Gideon is the mission lead Dr. Nash, let’s discuss our opinions when we’re back on the ship, ok?
URSULA NASH
Fine, but I better not hear anything more about “educating” me.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s a good point Gideon, let’s keep the snide comments to yourself.
Fine.
GIDEON JUDGE
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Are you done wasting my time Gideon? I have work I’d like to get back to.
GIDEON JUDGE
Do you agree to my terms?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Of course not! Your arguments are laughable and aside from what you say, you have no evidence to back anything up! It’s your word against mine which means there’s no contest.
GIDEON JUDGE
You know the truth and you’re choosing to dismiss it?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
I’m not dismissing anything. I just don’t think that your contributions are worth satisfying your absurd demands.
GIDEON JUDGE
I suppose that’s it then.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
I suppose it is.
GIDEON JUDGE
Dr. Aldridge and Dr. Nash, we’ll be taking our leave. Can you get word to our other crew members that we’re going back to the ship?
YEHUDA SALAZAR
That’s the one request you’ve made that will be my genuine pleasure.
SOUND: TRANSIITON SOUND, DOCKING BAY SOUNDS, FOOTSTEPS
INT. GENESIS FOUNTAINHEAD DOCKING BAY #1 - NIGHT
GIDEON JUDGE
You’re going to regret your decision Yehuda. I’m taking this matter to the 5.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
Please do. I have no concern about who they’ll side with.
GIDEON JUDGE
You’d be surprised.
YEHUDA SALAZAR
We’ll see about that.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, CHING SHE INTERIOR, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - NIGHT
REGINA REX
Ok Genesis Fountainhead control, we are clear of the docking bay entrance. Thank you for all your help. Ching She out.
SOUND: SWITCHES BEING FLIPPED
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
What the hell happened in there? All of you seem pretty wound up.
GIDEON JUDGE
That prick is screwing me again Regina.
URSULA NASH
I can’t believe that’s what you’re upset about!
GIDEON JUDGE
This again...
SEREBELLA REON
She’s right, that place is an abomination, it needs to be destroyed.
GIDEON JUDGE
Who’s asking for your opinion?
REGINA REX
That’s enough Gideon! What makes you say that Serebella?
SEREBELLA REON
You should have seen the bodies. They just throw them out if they don’t want them. It’s bad enough they’re creating slaves but the way they just toss them into the trash...
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I saw it too. It’s probably the most awful thing I’ve ever seen. It’s inhuman.
REGINA REX
There isn’t much we can do about it.
SEREBELLA REON
Yes there is.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What did you do?
SEREBELLA REON
Sorry Nova but when you weren’t looking, I planted a thermite charge near their reactors. It’s close enough that it will take the place out. I have the remote detonator here.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Are you saying we could destroy the outpost?
SEREBELLA REON
Yes. But the decision has to be made quickly before we’re out of range. So which is it? Do we take the place out of commission or not?
END OF EPISODE 3