VOID - SEASON 3, EPISODE 7
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
VOID PODCAST LLC Copyright ©2021 voidthepodcast@gmail.com
An Unexpected Guest
NARRATOR
Season 3, episode 7. In the last episode of VOID the crew of the Ching She found themselves under attack. Through the trials of that experience, the crew found they work well together. There was some discussion at the end of the episode as to how the attack occurred.
SOUND: SHIP INTERIOR, BUTTONS PRESSED, KEYPAD USAGE INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - EVENING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Do you really think it was sabotage?
REGINA REX
I don’t know but keep that between us. I’m considering all possibilities right now. The fact that we couldn’t see them on the scopes is what I can’t figure out.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Does her ship have any kind of cloaking capabilities?
REGINA REX
Deliva’s hunk of junk? No way. There aren’t many ships from the station that can pull off complete stealth.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
So you think someone tampered with the Ching She?
REGINA REX
It’s a logical assumption. Gilban is investigating as we speak.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What if Gilban’s the saboteur?
REGINA REX
I’ve flown with Gilban enough to know that he’s no traitor. He worked for Deliva once but hated her so much he never went back and even turned down contracts she was part of. She has a reputation for being a shitty captain.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
If not Gilban, who do you think it could be?
REGINA REX
I don’t know but I have questions for the 2 people who weren’t here for the fight.
SOUND: CLICKING SOUND
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
(into mic over speakers) Anko Lumen and Ursula Nash report to the bridge immediately.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, MECHANICAL SOUNDS, BEEPING, CRAWLING
INT. THE CHING SHE - ENGINEERING DECK - EVENING
GILBAN TRICKEY
(to himself)
Finally, it’s getting stronger here. There’s got to be a dampener planted on this damn ship...
SOUND: BEEPING GETTING LOUDER AND FASTER, CRAWLING PICKING UP PACE, BEEPING SPEEDS UP TO BECOME ONE LONG TONE, GETS SHUT OFF
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Here you are you son of a bitch! Ok, let me just run a quick scan.
SOUND: SCANNER DEVICE BEING USED, BUTTONS BEING TAPPED
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Yep, must be on the hull outside right here.
SOUND: TAPPING ON METAL, COMMUNICATOR CLICK
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Captain. I found the source. A signal dampener has been placed on the outside of the ship.
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
About damn time! Get your ass out there and take that thing off my ship!
GILBAN TRICKEY
Yes captain.
(to himself again)
What a bitch! A thank you would have been nice.
SOUND: CRAWLING
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Great. Now I get to put on a suit and do a spacewalk. I hate doing stupid space-HEY!!
SOUND: CRAWLING, THEN FALLING TO THE FLOOR, FOOTSTEPS, RUNNING, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Get back here!!
SOUND: RUNNING, TRANSITION SOUND, CORRIDOR SOUNDS, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - SHIP CORRIDOR - EVENING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(still pumped from adrenaline, walking and talking)
Is it always like that?
SEREBELLA REON
What are you talking about?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Battles, are they always that intense?
SEREBELLA REON
That? That was hardly a battle. Once the guns were up they had no chance.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
But, the cannons, the way they were charging right at us. I thought we were dead.
SEREBELLA REON
No way. Captain Rex has her shit together.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Wow. I’ve never experienced anything like that. I ran into a couple skirmishes back in the colony but this was a different level.
SEREBELLA REON
You did your job, don’t worry about it.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It was exciting, I’ll tell you that. I don’t know if I actually hit anything, but maybe I scared them at least.
SEREBELLA REON
I’m not sure if you hit anything either but for a first timer, you did ok. We’ll have to work on your aim though.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok.
SEREBELLA REON
Before that. A drink. I always enjoy a post fight shot. Join me?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sure, that sounds good to me. Where can we get a drink?
SEREBELLA REON
The cantina, I’m heading there now.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh? I was just walking, I wasn’t even paying attention to where we’re going. Yes! Let’s go there now.
SEREBELLA REON
(laughing)
Ok, I think we’ll make yours a double.
SOUND: COMMOTION FROM DOWN THE CORRIDOR, RUNNING, SCRAMBLING, A STRUGGLE TAKING PLACE
GILBAN TRICKEY
(from down the corridor) Stop her!
SOUND: RUNNING, MORE FOOTSTEPS, BODY BEING TACKLED AND SUBDUED, YOUNG FEMALE VOICE CRYING OUT
SEREBELLA REON
Stop struggling and relax, you’re not going anywhere.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RAPIDLY APPROACHING AND STOPPING
GILBAN TRICKEY
(out of breath) Great tackle Serebella!
SEREBELLA REON
Who the hell is this?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Don’t know, all I do know is that we have a stowaway. Do me a favor and escort our guest to Captain Rex on the bridge. I have a signal dampener I need to get rid of.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING, SHIP INTERIOR, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - EVENING
REGINA REX
Anko, nice of you to join us.
ANKO LUMEN
I’m sure the pleasure is all yours now why am I here?
REGINA REX
First, you address me as captain and with respect or I’m going to plant my boot in your ass. Do we understand each other?
ANKO LUMEN
(conceding) Yes, sorry captain.
REGINA REX
Now that you’re both here. Where the hell were you when we were attacked?
ANKO LUMEN
I was in my cabin working. I have no business with any fighting that goes on.
REGINA REX
Working in your cabin? On what? We had no power! No computers, remember?
ANKO LUMEN
Computers are not the only tool my dear captain, I have plenty of alternatives. I don’t go anywhere without a slide rule and things to write with. I can even work in the dark.
REGINA REX
I see. And you? Where were you Ursula?
URSULA NASH
I was in my cabin too! I’ve never been in a battle before! I have no idea what to do!
REGINA REX
Whenever there’s a “situation” the first thing you do is report to me!! That’s what you do! I will tell you what my orders are from there! Going back to your cabins to work on whatever you’re working on or to cower in the dark is unacceptable!
URSULA NASH
What do you want from me? I’m not a fighter and I won’tkill anyone!
REGINA REX
Then you’ll go to where the fighters are and be there for them if they get hurt, it’s not all about you princess!
SOUND: INAPPROPRIATE LAUGH FROM ANKO
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
As for you Mr. Pompous Ass, I see you’re no fighter either but Gilban could’ve used your help getting those sails up! That would’ve freed Nova to stay here and help me! Do you see how a crew works now? It’s not about yourego or yourfear!
You are both part of this crew and will act as such! If not, I can jettison your asses out into space now. Don’t worry I’ll give you a space suit and point you back towards the station. But if you’re not operating as one of the crew, you’re nothing more than dead weight.
URSULA NASH
I’m sorry, I understand captain.
REGINA REX
See that you do. Anko?
ANKO LUMEN
Yes captain, I’m part of the crew.
REGINA REX
Then act like it. You can begin by thanking everyone else for saving your sorry asses.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SHIP INTERIOR, BELL CHIMES / MEDITATION ELEMENTS
INT. GIDEON JUDGE'S CABIN - NIGHT
GIDEON JUDGE
Astrid, compose encrypted message for the high members of the 5, New Hope station. Usual encryption code and protocols.
ASTRID
Confirmed. Composing encrypted message in 3, 2, 1...
GIDEON JUDGE
Exalted 5. I humbly pass along my second report. After leaving the Genesis Fountainhead we were assaulted by the pirate known as Deliva Flur. Her role in the station is inconsequential. While she was not eliminated her ship has been severely damaged and she’s retreated presumably back to the New Hope. I would suggest having the station authorities seize her ship and assets to discourage this behavior in the future so as to avoid further potential disruption of the mission at hand. Our ship and crew remain unharmed and we are able to continue on as we started. Our next destination will be Mars to work on the second contract involving an artifact there. I will keep you abreast of our findings and any other pertinent mission notes you should be aware of.
Astrid, end message and transmit.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SHIP INTERIOR, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - NIGHT
REGINA REX
Well what do we have here?
SEREBELLA REON
Gilban found her in one of the engineering ducts.
REGINA REX
What’s your name?
SOUND: MOMENT OF SILENCE
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Look, you might as well accept the fact that we found you. The more cooperative you are, the easier this will go. Quit screwing around and tell me your damn name!
ALUNA SALAZAR
(reluctantly, frightened) Aluna, Aluna Salazar.
REGINA REX
Now we’re getting somewhere. How old are you?
ALUNA SALAZAR
14.
REGINA REX
Good. How did you get on my ship? I’m assuming you’re from the Genesis Fountainhead.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Yes. I was in the greeting party when your crew arrived. I snuck on the ship as soon as they brought everyone in for the tour.
REGINA REX
And now for the grand prize question, why?
ALUNA SALAZAR
(hesitant, defensive)
I, I didn’t want to be a breeder! They were telling me I was being prepared to start giving birth and I didn’t want to!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Wait, I thought the women there were doing everything voluntarily.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Some of them, the ones that worship Dr. Salazar would do anything for him. We’re all programmed from birth to love him. But, some of us, we have our own feelings.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I guess not all the programming stuck.
ALUNA SALAZAR
We were forced to do whatever we were told. Or else, they would... They would sell us to whoever they could to get rid of us. Or they would...
(can’t finish)
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yeah, we saw the waste disposal area. It’s ok, you’re safe now.
REGINA REX
How did you know we weren’t going to just sell you off ourselves or turn you into a slave?
ALUNA SALAZAR
I didn’t. I took a chance.
REGINA REX
That was stupid, and brave I’ll give you that. You’ve got luck and guts.
SEREBELLA REON
So what are we going to do with her?
REGINA REX
Standard ship rules dictate she go into the brig until we learn more.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Isn’t that a bit extreme?
REGINA REX
When it’s your ship you can dictate the rules Captain Aldridge. For now, she goes to the brig.
Serebella, escort our unexpected guest to the brig. Make sure she’s comfortable and has plenty to eat and drink. We’ll check on her later.
SEREBELLA REON
Ok, you heard Captain Rex, let’s go.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING
REGINA REX
Nova, give her a couple hours to settle in and then I want you to pay her a visit.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Sure, what do you want me to say to her?
REGINA REX
Find out as much as you can. She seemed to respond to you and she probably feels pretty alone right now. Be a friend and learn more about her.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Will do. I’m getting a little tired so if it’s ok I’m going to grab some refreshments myself.
REGINA REX
Affirmative. All of us, well, most of us have earned the right to celebrate! We held off our first attack of this journey!
SOUND: FOOTSEPS, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Did you say firstattack?
REGINA REX
And Jonas, once we’re done celebrating and get back to work you’ll be assigned to working with Anko.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Do you really hate me that much?
REGINA REX
Suck it up, you’re the most qualified outside of Gilban.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes captain, I will perform my duties as ordered.
REGINA REX
Yes you will, you’re setting an example as a captain Jonas, another thing to get used to.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I never thought of it like that.
REGINA REX
You might want to rest up too. The ship is back to normal and in motion again, we’re on our way to Mars. Everyone can relax for awhile. Not to mention you’ll need your strength for later tonight.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And why is that?
REGINA REX
Because tonight is poker night.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIG - NIGHT
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hey Aluna, how are you doing?
ALUNA SALAZAR
I’m good. Serebella’s really nice and gave me all this stuff.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yeah, sorry you’re here, it’s just for now to make sure everyone is safe. That includes you.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Thanks. This is my first time on a space ship.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
It is? Well, I’m a pilot so I’ve flown ships before. Now, I’m the co- pilot of this ship.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Wow! We were never allowed to think of doing something like that.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Are you ok with being on the ship?
ALUNA SALAZAR
Yes, for sure. I hated the Fountainhead.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Do you realize that we destroyed it?
ALUNA SALAZAR
I heard the explosion but I wasn’t sure what it was. Good.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
So you’re ok with that?
ALUNA SALAZAR
Yes.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What about the people that died? What about Dr. Salazar?
ALUNA SALAZAR
Dr. Salazar was a pervert and a horrible, horrible man. He got what he deserved.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
And your friends there?
ALUNA SALAZAR
I didn’t have many friends. There were only a few of us that felt like I did. Most of them were mindless and did whatever hewanted. You did them a favor.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Why do you say that?
ALUNA SALAZAR
(voice quivering)
I thought I was going to die there. We had no hope of escape. None of us knew how to pilot the shuttle and your ship was the first one I’ve tried to sneak onto.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I guess we were distracted by the tour.
ALUNA SALAZAR
I begged the others to come with me but they were too scared. They were worried that they’d get caught and sold off to the cannibals as punishment. You set them free.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
He had cannibals as clients?
ALUNA SALAZAR
Out of all the customers, we were most scared of the cannibals. I knew you weren’t like them!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
It sounds like we did the right thing taking that place out.
ALUNA SALAZAR
You did, thank you.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Look, you being here in the brig is only temporary. I’m going to talk to the captain about getting you out of here and into a cabin of your own.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Really? My own room? Seriously?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yes and some new clothes too, we can’t have you running around in a white robe everywhere.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Thank you! Thank you!
SOUND: FEET, INTERCHANGE OF HANDS
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You don’t have to take my hand and bow Aluna, you really don’t. Just relax.
ALUNA SALAZAR
(excited) Ok, ok.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
If you become part of the crew, you’ll have to work. Everyone does their part, do you understand?
ALUNA SALAZAR
Yes, yes I do! I’m a hard worker! We had to do a lot of work on the Fountainhead. I can do whatever you need me to!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
That’s great. That’s the right attitude. I’ll tell Captain Rex that you’re eager to help.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Please do!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Ok. Settle in for the night, it looks like you have plenty to eat and drink. And to keep you occupied, here’s this.
SOUND: TABLET BEING TURNED ON, SOME BUTTONS PRESSED, HANDED OVER TO ALUNA
ALUNA SALAZAR
What is it?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Something to entertain you. See? Press this button and you can learn more about the ship.
SOUND: BUTTON PRESSED, INFO PROCESSING ON TABLET
ALUNA SALAZAR
Ooooo!! This is really neat.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I’ll come back later after I’ve talked to the captain.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, LAUGHTER, POKER GAME SOUNDS, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING, FOOTSTEPS, MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND
INT. THE CHING SHE - CANTINA - NIGHT
REGINA REX
(already drunk)
Hot damn! I’ve been looking forward to this! And there she is, Captain Bayflower. Sit your ass down lady and grab a drink!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
My pleasure!
SOUND: VARIOUS CHATTER
REGINA REX
Alright, chill out everyone. I’d like to welcome you all to the first of many Ching She poker nights.
SOUND: CLAPPING, CHEERING
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
That’s right! For those of you new to the crew, I feel it appropriate to go over the rules.
SOUND: HOOTING, HOLLARING
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Settle down you animals. Now then! We will play standard variations to five card poker with the dealer calling the style. We don’t play for credits as they are worthless in space...
SOUND: CLAPPING, ENCOURAGEMENT
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
We will be playing for one of the following. When it comes time to bet, you may bet for chore duties to be passed along to the loser. Or, you may bet for sexual favor with the rule that both sides must be consenting to the conditions. No weird butt stuff Gilban!
GILBAN TRICKEY
Hey! Why are you picking on me already? Besides, I’m usually happy with the standard butt stuff anyway! Hey speaking of tight asses, where’s Anko?
SOUND: LAUGHING
REGINA REX
In his cabin working. The first round of betting will reveal the type of bet, the second round of betting will reveal the details of the bet. Winner doles out the bets at the end of the round.
SOUND: MORE HOOTING, WHISTLING, ETC.
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Do notcall on the pot unless you are willing to pay the price. If you’re still sitting here when I deal, you’re in. Everyone ready? Last chance to get out.
SOUND: AWKWARD SILENCE
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Excellent, good to a see a crew with some guts. Here we go, starting with 5 card draw, one-eyed jacks are wild.
SOUND: CARDS SHUFFLING, CARDS BEING DEALT, GLASSES CLINKING, DRINKING, ETC.
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Hey Nova, how’d it go with the girl?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
From what she tells me, we totally did the right thing blowing that place up.
I knew it!
SEREBELLA REON
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Yeah, sounds like Salazar was a pretty terrible dude and his followers really didn’t have much of a will of their own.
REGINA REX
I know I’m not losing any sleep over the bastard.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Speaking of which, shouldn’t Gideon be here?
REGINA REX
He’s on the bridge. Poker night isn’t his thing. He meditates up there and watches over the bridge while the ship is on autopilot so I can drink, drink, drink baby!
SOUND: GLASSES CLINKING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I guess I judged that whole thing wrong.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(now drunk)
I guess you did bubba. Good thing you’ve got me as your co-captain to make sure shit doesn’t go sideways!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yeah, good thing. Thanks?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(full of herself)
Sure, just try to get with the program Jonas. Some of us were born to be out here, but some of us will have to work a little harder to get good at it.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(perturbed)
I’ll keep that in mind.
REGINA REX
Alright, first round of cards is out! The bet goes to Nova!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Oh wow. Ok, I’ll bet a chore.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Same for me, I’ll bet a chore.
URSULA NASH
I have a chore in mind too.
Gilban?
REGINA REX
GILBAN TRICKEY
Oh you know me, I’m going for the sexual favor! Go big or go home!
REGINA REX
And you Serebella?
SEREBELLA REON
I’m going for the sex too.
REGINA REX
Oooo, it’s getting hot in here! I call with sex! I hope one or more of you is ready to put some time in!
SOUND: CARDS SHUFFLING, PASSING CARDS OUT
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Who needs cards?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hey, about the girl. Do you think we can let her out of the brig and set her up with a cabin? She seems ok and is more than willing to work.
REGINA REX
Yeah, make that happen. I’ll leave her to your discretion.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Thanks captain.
REGINA REX
Thank you for seeing to her, it’s one less hassle for me.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(impatient)
Can I get 3 cards please?
REGINA REX
Wait your turn. Nova?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
No cards for me.
REGINA REX
Ohhhhh, ok. 3 cards for grumpy pants.
URSULA NASH
I’ll take 2.
SOUND: CARDS CONTINUE TO GET PASSED OUT
GILBAN TRICKEY
One please.
SEREBELLA REON
2 for me.
SOUND: CARDS FINISH BEING DEALT
REGINA REX
Ok, final round of bets. Details please, Nova?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I have to do solar sail maintenance with Gilban and from what I understand there’s a lot of grease involved. That’s the chore I’m betting.
REGINA REX
Are you sure that’s not a sex bet?
SOUND: LAUGHING
Jonas?
I fold.
REGINA REX (CONT'D) JONAS ALDRIDGE
SOUND: SOUNDS OF AWWWWWW...
REGINA REX
Wuss, ok casualty number one.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hey! My cards suck!
REGINA REX
You also suck at bluffing apparently. Ursula?
URSULA NASH
I have some nasty cleaning that needs to be done in the medical lab.
REGINA REX
Fair enough. The bet is to you Gilban.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Out of respect to our new crew members, I’ll use a term to describe my bet. The term is “dog in a bathtub”. You may look it up in the station cultural index.
SOUND: PAUSE ONE MOMENT, KEYPADS BEING USED AND THEN AWWWW!!! GROSS!! ETC.
Hell no.
URSULA NASH
SEREBELLA REON
I’m game. For my bet the person best be a ninjalingus expert.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(drunk and sappy)
I don’t even know what that is but I’m so there!
SOUND: LAUGHING
REGINA REX
And for my bet we’ll say it involves a lot of brown nosing.
GILBAN TRICKEY
And you talk about me!
SOUND: LAUGHING CONT.
REGINA REX
Final bets. Who’s still in?
SOUND: CARDS BEING SHUFFLED AND PLAYED WITH
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I’m in.
Fold. SOUND: AWWWWWW!!
URSULA NASH
GILBAN TRICKEY
I’m in of course.
SEREBELLA REON
I’m in too.
REGINA REX
So am I. Time to show ‘em. Nova, you’re up.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
2 pair bitches.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Isn’t that nice? Not as nice as my straight flush though.
SEREBELLA REON
Dammit!
REGINA REX
You suck! I had a full boat!
GILBAN TRICKEY
Come to poppa! Ok, I will cancel Nova’s chore so she’s stuck working with me but will pass along my sexual favor to her. As for you two, you will perform your sexual acts on each other.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Bring it on bad boy!
URSULA NASH
(sounding drunk now)
This is fun! I can’t wait to get you in the sack Jonas! Wait until I bet next time!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Now what? Do we go do our sex stuff?
REGINA REX
Hell no! Start taking notes! That was only round one, we’ve got 14 more rounds to go!
END OF EPISODE 7