VOID - SEASON 3, EPISODE 8
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
Friends, Lovers, and Others
VOID PODCAST LLC Copyright ©2021 voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
Season 3, episode 8. During our last episode a stowaway from the Genesis Fountainhead was discovered by ship engineer Gilban Trickey.
Anko and Ursula were reminded of their duties by Captain Rex. Jonas came to realize he was sorely in need of training. And the crew starting learning more intimate details about each other during their first poker game.
SOUND: SHIP INTERIOR, CONCUSSION SHOCKWAVE SOUNDS, BODY HITTING THE WALL
INT. THE CHING SHE - COMBAT TRAINING CENTER - DAY
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(hitting the wall) Oooooofffff!!
SEREBELLA REON
I told you, watch my eyes, not the weapon.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(getting up, out of breath)
I never knew sound could be so painful. I’m really thankful these walls are padded.
SEREBELLA REON
You’re lucky this room is designed for training. Getting thrown into a regular wall is going to hurt much more. You can avoid the pain by learning how to evade. Again, try to hit me.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Alright, here we go.
SOUND: SONIC CONCUSSION PULSES BEING FIRED, SHUFFLING
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Crap, I’m a terrible shot.
SEREBELLA REON
That’s why you’re in the combat training center with me. And it’s not your shooting, your aim isn’t bad. I’m just reading you and able to see where you aim before you even get there. You have to get better at reading and faking an enemy. Watch the eyes not the weapon.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So the eyes are the key.
SEREBELLA REON
Try evading me, here we go.
SOUND: SONIC CONCUSSION PULSES BEING FIRED, SHUFFLING
SEREBELLA REON (CONT'D)
Good!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(enthusiastically)
I could really tell that time.
SEREBELLA REON
I was being pretty obvious. Don’t get cocky.
SOUND: SONIC CONCUSSION PULSE FIRED, BODY HITTING THE WALL
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(hitting the wall) Ooofffff!!!
SEREBELLA REON
And don’t let your guard down.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(catching breath again) Fine.
SOUND: SONIC CONCUSSION PULSE FIRED, SHUFFLING
SEREBELLA REON
Nice try but you telegraphed your shot.
Shit.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
SEREBELLA REON
Let’s try a different weapon.
SOUND: EQUIPMENT BEING GRABBED AND ADJUSTED
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It looks like a club.
SEREBELLA REON
Sort of, but this one has more kick.
SOUND: ELECTRICAL BURSTS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Wow.
SEREBELLA REON
This is a shock stick. Best in close combat or if you want to subdue an enemy. The amount of electricity you jolt them with is set with this switch.
SOUND: POWER WINDING UP, ELECTRICAL BURSTS LOUDER AND MORE FREQUENT, THEN POWER WINDING DOWN WITH LESS FREQUENT BURSTS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That thing is wicked.
SEREBELLA REON
Lowering the burst will allow you to disable someone without killing them or even rendering them unconscious. They’ll only be paralyzed for a very brief time.
Ever been?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ever been what?
SEREBELLA REON
Shocked.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, I can’t say I’ve ever experienced that.
SEREBELLA REON
Oh, we had to get shocked when we were going through security training. It was good to learn how to fight your way out of it if you were in a fire fight and electrical weapons were in play. Let’s try it now.
Say what?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
SEREBELLA REON
I’m going to shock you with the shock stick and then you fight to get out of the paralyzed state.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How the hell am I supposed to do that? I’ll be paralyzed!
SEREBELLA REON
Only briefly that’s the point, you just have to concentrate. Ready?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m not so sure...
SOUND: BURSTS OF ELECTRICITY, BODY HITTING THE GROUND
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Unnnngggghhh!!!!
SEREBELLA REON
(talking to Jonas while he struggles on the floor)
You really need to work on your situational awareness. You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to randomly attack you on the ship from now on. Whenever you least expect it, I’m going to attack you and you’ll need to defend yourself, you’re way too easy a target.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Unnngggghhhh....
SEREBELLA REON
I know, I know. Listen, stop and just breathe. Calm yourself.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(struggling then relaxing into a long breath)
Unngghhh....
SEREBELLA REON
Good. Now wiggle your fingers and toes. Slowly, that’s it, take your time. Keep breathing.
SOUND: BREATHING SOUNDS IN BACKGROUND
SEREBELLA REON (CONT'D)
Ok, try to straighten out your body and work your way into a sitting position.
SOUND: PHYSICAL STUGGLING
SEREBELLA REON (CONT'D)
Great, can you talk yet?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(out of breath)
Son, of, son of a...son of a bitch that hurt!
SEREBELLA REON
That was only on setting 1. You better toughen up. I’ve been hit with worse.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What the hell does that thing go up to?
SEREBELLA REON
It has a maximum range of 20, anything above 15 is lethal.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Can we not do that again please?
SEREBELLA REON
No promises. On your feet. We’ll work with this more later. Let’s move onto something less painful for you, for now at least.
SOUND: GETTING UP FROM THE FLOOR
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thank you, thank you very much.
SEREBELLA REON
Getting back to guns.
SOUND: CASE OPENING, GUN BEING PULLED OUT AND COCKED
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That would be a rifle.
SEREBELLA REON
It sure is but this one emits a laser blast that will go through armor. And you’ll want to use this scope to aim. Here.
SOUND: GUN BEING PASSED
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s much lighter than I thought.
SEREBELLA REON
It still has some kick though so tuck it in your shoulder like I showed you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
This is a cool gun.
SEREBELLA REON
Let’s see if you can hit a moving target with it. Here come the robotic targeting dummies.
SOUND: KEYBOARD BEING USED, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING, METAL FEET SHUFFLING AND THEN SCRAMBLING, “LASER RIFLE” SHOTS
SEREBELLA REON (CONT'D)
Slow down, take your time. Focus and squeeze the trigger don’t jerk it.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok, I got this.
SOUND: MORE LASER RIFLE SHOTS, METALLIC FORM HITTING THE FLOOR
SEREBELLA REON
Nice head shot! Take out the red one.
SOUND: LASER RIFLE SHOT, METALLIC FORM HITTING THE FLOOR JONAS ALDRIDGE
Got it!
SEREBELLA REON
Captain Aldridge, with some practice I think you may be our crew sniper.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, BUZZING, FEET SCRAMBLING, FUMBLING AROUND, BUZZING STOPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - GILBAN’S CABIN - DAY
GILBAN TRICKEY
(recovering from a hangover)
Shit, I completely forgot I have a shift now.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(recovering from a hangover)
Ooohhh, my head. I think I may have the worse hangover in the history of hangovers.
GILBAN TRICKEY
It’s not just the hangover, that’s the first time you’ve slept in what, 3 days?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
5. You weren’t kidding about pacing myself. I feel like I’ve been hit by an asteroid. My body is so damn sore.
GILBAN TRICKEY
At least some of that soreness is from what we did last night after the poker game. Things got pretty vigorous if I remember correctly.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Oh yeah. They sure did.
GILBAN TRICKEY
(moving back toward Nova)
I have to say that you paid your poker debts in full and then some.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hey, I live up to my word. You paid your debts to me pretty well too.
That thing you were doing with your hands was pretty amazing.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I aim to please. I noticed that your friend Jonas was always going the chore route with his bets. You two never fooled around on Earth?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
No, our morals weren’t allowed to be too loose when we lived there. This new lifestyle has been broadening my view about a lot of things.
GILBAN TRICKEY
So you and Jonas never had sex, ever?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(kissing Gilban)
Are you jealous? I thought you were so sexually liberated?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Oh I am, I was just curious where things stood between you and him.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Friends, that’s it.
GILBAN TRICKEY
That’s good.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I’m really enjoying this new found sexual freedom I’ve never known before.
(teasing Gilban)
Maybe I’ll hook up with Gideon while I’m at it. I do like bald guys.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Him? Really? That guy has a stick so far up his ass he has to sleep standing up.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You arejealous! And here I thought you were the ship playboy.
GILBAN TRICKEY
(defensively)
I am! I just really enjoy your company, that’s all.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Well Mr. Playboy, I have to get cleaned up and then head to the bridge.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I’m sure the bridge can wait a little longer; both of us could use some cleaning up. In an effort to save time and conserve water...
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SHOWER STARTING
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Maybe we should get cleaned up together.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SHIP INTERIOR
INT. THE CHING SHE - ANKO’S CABIN - DAY
ANKO LUMEN
Astrid, record science log, Titan project.
ASTRID
Affirmative, recording science log, Titan project, in 3, 2, 1...
ANKO LUMEN
Anko Lumen, Titan project, science log 7. Today will be the first day working with my assistant.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the engineer Gilban Trickey like I wanted because he is tied up with his own duties. No, I’ll be stuck with the supposed “Dr.” Jonas Aldridge. I argued against his intellectual limitations with Captain Rex but my words fell on deaf ears. She insists that outside of Gilban, Aldridge is the most qualified to assist me which I find laughable. I also find the whole thing conflictual since he is another of the mission captains and technically I answer to him.
Normally, I would have way more room to properly reprimand an incompetent assistant but with “captain” Aldridge I’ll have to mind my tone which I find terribly frustrating. We’ll begin today’s work by doing some routine maintenance on my machines in preparation for Titan.
(MORE)
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
I’ll be training Aldridge on some of the machine’s more basic functions today too. Hopefully Aldridge can handle so simple a task. If he so much as causes one minor flawed adjustment, I will demand Gilban take over as my assistant so we can end this charade of an assignment and I can get some real help. Astrid, end log.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SCRUBBING OF INSTRUMENTS
INT. THE CHING SHE - MEDICAL OFFICE - DAY
ALUNA SALAZAR
(working while talking) Thanks Dr. Nash, I’m really glad I was assigned to help you.
URSULA NASH
Me too Aluna. You’re doing a wonderful job cleaning the equipment. I don’t think this ship has had a medical officer for awhile.
ALUNA SALAZAR
I’m just happy to do my part.
URSULA NASH
Are you settled in your new room?
ALUNA SALAZAR
I am! I can’t believe I have my own room. I’ve never had a room to myself before.
URSULA NASH
You mean as big as the birther outpost was, you weren’t allowed to have your own room?
ALUNA SALAZAR
No. Dr. Salazar forbade us having our own space. I shared a room with
19 other girls. We never had time to ourselves. The only time I was ever alone with anyone was with Dr. Salazar.
URSULA NASH
You spent time alone with him?
ALUNA SALAZAR
Yes, all of the girls did. He had to train us personally he said.
URSULA NASH
Train you in what?
ALUNA SALAZAR
Physical pleasure.
URSULA NASH
What?
ALUNA SALAZAR
Yes, for the sex traders. The ones they wanted as virgins were sold off right away when they’re born. But some were of us were trained for pleasure in case the clients wanted more experienced products.
URSULA NASH
That’s terrible!
ALUNA SALAZAR
You get used to it, especially since he started us so young.
URSULA NASH
I don’t even want to know. I was against destroying that place but I’m glad it’s gone. You don’t ever have to worry about that again Aluna, I want you to know that.
You’re around some good people now who will protect you.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Thanks Dr. Nash.
URSULA NASH
Ursula, call me Ursula.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Thanks, Ursula.
URSULA NASH
When we’re done with all these missions, we’ll be going back to the New Hope space station.
ALUNA SALAZAR
We will? Many of the clients were from there, I don’t know if...
URSULA NASH
It’s ok, no-one will hurt you when we get back. You can live with me as long as you like.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Really?
URSULA NASH
Yes. The station is wonderful. We can get you an education, you can work in my lab, at least to start with!
ALUNA SALAZAR
That sounds amazing! When will we be going there?
URSULA NASH
Not for awhile, we have a number of missions to finish first and they’re going to take some time.
ALUNA SALAZAR
Oh, ok. As long as I’m with all of you that’s all I care about. Where are we going next?
URSULA NASH
Mars. But we’re stopping at a fuel depot first from what I understand.
ALUNA SALAZAR
The Mars fuel depot? I’ve heard stories about that place.
URSULA NASH
What stories?
ALUNA SALAZAR
That it’s been taken over.
URSULA NASH
By who?
ALUNA SALAZAR
I don’t know. I just heard from one of the clients that no-one goes to fuel there anymore.
URSULA NASH
Are you sure these aren’t just rumors?
ALUNA SALAZAR
I only know the person sounded kinda scared when they were talking about it. Like they knew more they weren’t telling us.
URSULA NASH
The Mars depot falls under the space station’s authority. If someone else had taken it over, they would know and they would deal with it. I wouldn’t concern yourself over rumors.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING, FOOTSTEPS, SHIP INTERIOR
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - DAY
REGINA REX
You’re 20 minutes late.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Seriously? We’re in space, who gives a shit about time?
REGINA REX
You have responsibilities on this ship Nova and as your captain I expect you to fulfill them and be on time for your shifts.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I’m here aren’t I?
REGINA REX
Yes, and now Gideon can be relieved since he was covering for you.
GIDEON JUDGE
Thank you captain, I would like to get back to tending my plants.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
That’s what I made you late for? Tending plants?
REGINA REX
You’re missing the point Nova.
GIDEON JUDGE
Captain Bayflower, if you’re ever in need of spiritual guidance or counseling, I’m available any time. I hear you’re quite the drinker, I imbibe myself from time to time so I understand.
SOUND: IRONIC SNICKERING FROM REGINA
GIDEON JUDGE (CONT'D)
Perhaps you’d like to discuss why you...
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(cutting him off)
Look, if I need to talk things over I’ll let you know. I’m handling my liquor just fine so don’t worry about it.
GIDEON JUDGE
Of course, my hatch is always open. I’ll take my leave.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING/CLOSING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Wow, he’s serious.
REGINA REX
Yes he is, unlike some of us.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hey, I’m serious too! (changing the subject)
So we’re heading to Mars next.
REGINA REX
We are.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Have you been to Mars before?
REGINA REX
Yes a number of times. We’ll be docking at the Mars fuel depot first, it’s in the planet’s orbit.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Shouldn’t we just land on Mars and then hit the depot?
REGINA REX
No, the way we always do it is to dock at the depot first.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
But since we’re leaving Mars to go to Saturn next, it would make more sense to...
REGINA REX
Look, Captain Bayflower I’d like to remind you that I’m the captain of this ship and we’ll follow my lead when it comes to matters that effect the ship.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
And I’m the captain in charge of these missions, so I have a say here too. And I say it makes more sense to go to the depot afterwe’re done on Mars.
REGINA REX
The whole reason we’re docking at the depot is we can’t land this ship on the Mars surface. It’s too risky with the storms. We’ll be taking a shuttle so we can settle into a safer spot when we land while the ship is docked.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Oh.
REGINA REX
Maybe let the more experienced captain run the show when it comes to ship related matters so I don’t have to waste a lot of time going over every detail to satisfy your inexperience. I’d prefer not to have to explain myself whenever I make a decision since that would be exhausting.
Yes ma’am.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
REGINA REX
I’m glad you’re feeling confident Nova, but watch your ego. If you’re not careful out here, ego can get you or someone else killed.
END OF EPISODE 8