VOID - SEASON 3, EPISODE 1
Written by Sean McKnight
With Jeni Miller
We're Not the Only Humans in Space
VOID PODCAST LLC Copyright ©2021 voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
Season 3, episode 1. In the season
In the season 2 finale of VOID, friction arose between the ship’s captain Regina Rex and security officer Serebella Reon. Nova Bayflower started coming into her own taking on the role of being a captain as well as co- pilot. Anko Lumen plotted how he was going to implement the crew as his workers in addition to clashing with Jonas Aldridge. And Max Huxley urged Ursula Nash to keep an eye on things and report back to him as she struggles with her brother’s death. Welcome to the season 3 premiere of VOID.
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - DAY
SOUND: INTERIOR OF SHIP, HARD ROCK MUSIC PLAYING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(straining to talk over loud music)
You really like the music loud.
REGINA REX
(straining to listen to Nova over loud music)
What?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(talking louder)
I said, you really like the music loud.
What?
REGINA REX
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(louder) I SAID...
(music cuts as she’s yelling)
YOU REALLY LIKE THE MUSIC LOUD!!
REGINA REX
(messing with Nova)
Yeah I know, you don’t have to yell about it.
SOUND: LAUGHING
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Ok, I get it, gotta break in the noob.
REGINA REX
Something like that. Ok rookie, review the steps we discussed.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
First, the engines and the boosters have to be primed. Second, auxiliary power is started. Third, hydraulic system and pressure is checked. Fourth, the main fuel valve heaters are...
REGINA REX
Slow down, you missed something.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(thinking)
Oh, wait. The APUs have to be powered up first.
REGINA REX
Bingo. And then?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
After the APUs are powered up, the main fuel valve heaters are shut off. Then, the launch sequencer is switched to auto with the computer. Main engines are started followed by the boosters, bracers are released followed by the countdown.
REGINA REX
Not bad. You’re a quick learner.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Thanks Captain. How long until we reach the moon?
REGINA REX
Well, we’re traveling at about .5G so roughly 8 hours.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What are we doing when we get there?
REGINA REX
I’m going to let Gideon fill everyone in on the details. Speaking of which...
SOUND: BUTTONS BEING PRESSED, SWITCH FLIPPED
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hey Gideon! The crew need a briefing about our arrival on the moon.
GIDEON JUDGE
(over speaker)
Oh! Yes, of course captain. I’ll prepare accordingly.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS
INT. ANKO LUMEN'S QUARTERS - 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 6. We just set out from the station a short time ago. Our first destination, much to my protest, will be the moon for what will be no doubt some fruitless waste of everyone’s time. I need to get them all to realize how important my work is and how our first priority shouldbe to get to Titan.
Unfortunately the brain trust of Aldridge and the Bayflower woman are in charge and we have to proceed according to their orders. I will argue my point to whomever I can, whenever I can to sway their opinions in my favor. Dealing with this level of intellectual inferiority is frustrating to say the least. Astrid, pause log.
ASTRID
Science log paused.
ANKO LUMEN
Astrid, access ship records and report which crew member has the highest IQ.
ASTRID
Accessing ship records, processing of crew intelligence commencing.
SOUND: SCANNING
ASTRID (CONT'D)
Ursula Nash qualifies as the crew member with the highest intelligence quotient value of 158.
ANKO LUMEN
Impossible! Astrid, re-check the records and make sure the results you produced are correct.
SOUND: SCANNING
ASTRID
Confirmation scan complete, Ursula Nash qualifies as the crew member with the highest intelligence quotient value of 158. I assure you, my results are accurate.
ANKO LUMEN
Ridiculous! Astrid, who qualifies with second highest IQ?
SOUND: SCANNING
ASTRID
Gilban Trickey qualifies as the crew member with the second highest intelligence quotient with a value of 153.
ANKO LUMEN
You’ve got to joking! Astrid, am I third at least?
SOUND: SCANNING
ASTRID
Confirmed, Anko Lumen qualifies as the crew member with the third highest intelligence quotient value of 150.
ANKO LUMEN
Astrid, what is the IQ status of Jonas Aldridge?
SOUND: SCANNING
ASTRID
Jonas Aldridge qualifies as the crew member with the fourth highest intelligence quotient with a value of 145.
ANKO LUMEN
(exasperated)
Astrid, resume science log 6.
ASTRID
Affirmative, resuming science log Titan project, in 3, 2, 1...
ANKO LUMEN
We have set forth and are speeding ahead to our first destination. I wasn’t aware the crew consisted of a spiritual zealot. It should be enjoyable to philosophically eviscerate this, Gideon Judge, when we gather for crew meals. I can’t believe the captain tolerates this person’s presence on the ship. I’m disappointed to that end, I’ll have to have a discussion with her. I briefly met our security officer Serebella Reon. I suppose she’s fine, I leave those with less cerebral capacity to handle things of a brute force nature. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting our engineer, Gilban Trickey but I look forward to our conversations. Our ship’s medical officer Ursula Nash seemed very nice and professional. Although I did notice her nervousness which doesn’t inspire confidence. I’m afraid her fancy little medical degrees didn’t prepare her for leaving the comforts of her life for the uncertainty of the void. We’ll see if she can take it or if she cracks. I’ll begin preparations with the equipment once we leave the moon. Astrid, end log.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, MEAL HALL SOUNDS, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - MEAL HALL - DAY
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hi, you must be Ms. Reon. It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Dr. Jonas Aldridge.
SEREBELLA REON
Nice to meet you Captain Aldridge, and Serebella is fine.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh wow, I’m not used to that, you can call me Jonas.
SEREBELLA REON
Captain Rex wouldn’t care for that.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok, how about you just call me Jonas when she’s not around.
SEREBELLA REON
That’s fair. Thanks, Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hey, can you direct me to where I can grab something to drink?
SEREBELLA REON
Right there on the wall to your left. Pull the lever.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks, I have no idea how to find anything yet.
SEREBELLA REON
You’ll get used to it.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, COMPARTMENT OPENING, LIQUID POURING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I take it you have experience in space.
SEREBELLA REON
Yeah some. Not really deep space though. I’ve only done shorter runs.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
May I ask you something strange?
SEREBELLA REON
Sure.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Why do we need security?
SEREBELLA REON
We’re not the only humans in space.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t understand. You mean there are humans living out there somewhere?
SEREBELLA REON
Sort of. Some are out exploring. Some live on satellite or moon stations. And then there are those that raid other’s ships for profit. Pirates. They’ll attack a ship, kill everyone on board and either take the ship or pillage and destroy it.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
To what end?
SEREBELLA REON
Survival mostly. There are the occasional space stations out there but unless you have the ability to synthesize your own water and food supplies, there aren’t a lot of resources around.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I had no idea this kind of thing was even possible.
SEREBELLA REON
I guess people in the colony didn’t get out much.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No we didn’t, it’s pretty much permanent underground quarantine there. The residents have no clue what’s going on with the station or beyond it.
SEREBELLA REON
The people you find out here mostly have started at the station but then broke out on their own. Unless they’re bred in space. Some people have grown up living on ships their entire lives.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Those must be some very interesting people!
SEREBELLA REON
That’s one word for them. You run into some pretty intense individuals now and then.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That makes me glad you’re around Serebella. Nova said you get the job done.
SEREBELLA REON
Thanks but I need help sometimes too so you’ll be getting some combat training.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Are you serious?
SEREBELLA REON
Yeah, if there’s more than one threat I can’t necessarily handle them all myself. We have to be prepared for anything as a crew.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I see. Who goes through the training?
SEREBELLA REON
Whoever is willing and able. It’s kind of up to the discretion of the captains.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok, well, sign me up.
SEREBELLA REON
I hope you don’t mind getting your ass kicked.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No problem there, that’s been happening to me ever since I left Earth anyway.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, MACHINERY, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - ENGINEERING DECK - AFTERNOON
GILBAN TRICKEY
What the hell are you doing back here?
GIDEON JUDGE
Not that’s it’s any of your business but I’m meditating in preparation for my crew briefing.
GILBAN TRICKEY
If it happens down here, it is my business Gideon. Why are you meditating here?
GIDEON JUDGE
The rhythmic sound of the machines is lovely. It’s almost like the running stream generator we use in the temple. I can get quite lost in the droning of the engines, I connect with the ship that way too.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Connect with the ship? It almost sounds like you want to have sex with it.
GIDEON JUDGE
Don’t be crass! I give everything that’s part of these missions my blessing. Especially the vessel which carries us along our journey!
GILBAN TRICKEY
Yeah well, can you just stay out of my way please? I have actual work I have to do on the machines directly. I don’t have the luxury of meditating all over them.
GIDEON JUDGE
I believe it was you who interrupted me, I was in a state of bliss prior to your oafish arrival.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Sorry but your bliss is going to have to wait, I have stabilizers that need to be reinforced and it’s going to get loud in here.
GIDEON JUDGE
Very well, I was nearly done, I’m sure my devotions are sufficiently recognized by the ship.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I’m sure they are.
GIDEON JUDGE
Will you be attending the briefing?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Am I needed for the away team?
GIDEON JUDGE
I don’t think so, this visit should be over relatively quickly.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Then no, I’ll be working here instead.
GIDEON JUDGE
Shame. I give a riveting speech as I’m sure you know.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Somehow I’ll get over it.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PERSONAL QUARTERS, CRYING
INT. URSULA NASH QUARTERS - AFTERNOON
URSULA NASH
(crying)
This really, really, hurts. Ok. Astrid, create, start, no. Not a letter. More like, a group of letters, that, I won’t ever, get to send. Ok. Astrid, create an epistle dedicated to my brother Phineous Nash.
ASTRID
Conflict detected. Phineous Nash is deceased. The epistle will not be deliverable to him.
URSULA NASH
(getting upset)
I know, I know! Astrid, override conflict and follow last instruction.
ASTRID
Affirmative. Epistle created dedicated to Phineous Nash.
URSULA NASH
Astrid. Compose letter 1 for the Nash Epistle.
ASTRID
Composing letter 1, Nash Epistle, in 3, 2, 1...
URSULA NASH
(getting more emotional as recording continues)
Phineous. I don’t know what to say. I thought I was ready. But, I’ve had time to settle in since we left and finally had a moment to think. And all I can think about is you.
My twin brother is gone and that one source that I’ve had as an anchor my whole life is no longer in place. You were always there for me brother, no matter what it was always me and you. And now, it’s just me. I feel lost, adrift. I’m in space, I’m here with others I’ve barely spoken to or not at all.
Getting closer with Jonas is helping and he’s been very supportive but I don’t want our relationship to become a crutch. I don’t know why I’m even composing this message in the first place. I guess I just needed to talk to you. Somehow. Or at least feel like I could talk to you. I might keep doing this, it feels cathartic.
Maybe someday I won’t need to compose these messages but for now, this will have to do.
SOUND: NOTIFICATION SOUND
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
All crew report to the bridge for a mission briefing.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, BRIDGE INTERIOR
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - AFTERNOON
REGINA REX
Welcome to our first briefing. A few words about procedure. I am of the captain of this ship, if it’s ship related, I’ll be making the decisions. In terms of our missions, that would be in the charge of Captains Bayflower and Aldridge. You will refer to them as captain in my presence and treat them with the same level of respect you show me. If it’s mission related there is a mission lead for the contract that will act as representative. However, for the overall plans and the mission order we follow, that will be up to Bayflower and Aldridge. So if you have a gripe about something related to your contract, don’t bring it to me. Understood?
SOUND: MURMURS OF AGREEMENT
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Our next order of business is about training. Some of you will be required to attend combat and defensive training with our Security Officer Serebella Reon.
You’ll find the schedule and who is required to attend on your communicators. Everyone does their part on my ship. You’ll be assigned certain duties which will also be listed on your communicators. Doing your part includes keeping yourself in shape both physically and mentally. By now everyone should have figured out an exercise routine. Stick to it and be strict about it. I can’t have any candy asses with soft muscles laying around.
SOUND: MURMURS, LAUGHING
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
For your mental health, our ship’s spiritual advisor will be offering his services for anyone who needs to talk or if you’re struggling emotionally. He is also the contract lead on our first mission. I turn over the floor to Gideon Judge.
GIDEON JUDGE
Thank you Captain Rex. The first contract of our journey is mine to present. Our mission leads us to the moon, more specifically, the dark side of the moon. Once there we will be visiting a breeder outpost.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What the hell is a breeder outpost?
GIDEON JUDGE
Surely you had breeders on the colony?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes, it’s disgusting.
GIDEON JUDGE
I’m sure, this outpost was founded by the man who started the movement in the colony.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Who is he?
GIDEON JUDGE
His name is Dr. Yehuda Salazar.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I know that name. Council Seat Harris spoke of him very bitterly. He called him a radical and said his methods were too extreme and had no place in the colony.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
If he was too extreme for the council, I can’t even imagine what this guy is capable of.
GIDEON JUDGE
He left the colony for the station and began to expand his knowledge and pitch his ideas to colleagues he’d made friends with. Some became intrigued by his concepts and decided to work with him. The station’s ideals didn’t exactly line up with their approach so they decided to create an outpost that wasn’t far but was just far enough to not be watched. They service many residents of the station but in a more black market kind of way. They also have other clients throughout the galaxy.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What is it they’re selling?
GIDEON JUDGE
Children. They grow them as babies mostly in incubation chambers although they do have women devoted to their cause that serve as a natural form of birthing the children. They call those babies “pure births” and sell them at a higher price.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
That’s barbaric!! Sell them for what?
GIDEON JUDGE
Whatever the client wants. Servitude, sex, food, fuel, whatever...
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Food?? And what the hell do you mean by fuel?
GIDEON JUDGE
Electricity. Human batteries basically. The human body can provide a lot of power.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
This is sick. How can they do that?
GIDEON JUDGE
Operating on the moon they’re out of any kind of jurisdiction.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I guess we’re going there to...?
GIDEON JUDGE
Confront them on their misdeeds.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Doesn’t that make us, like, the space force?
GIDEON JUDGE
No, no, we’re not trying to act like the station’s authorities. We’ll be there for the sake of justice and for them to answer for what they’ve done.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Answer how?
GIDEON JUDGE
Leave that to me. I’ll do the talking. I will need the away team there as my support. You are to be seen and not heard.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Do you expect any kind of resistance?
GIDEON JUDGE
No, they don’t really have much for security there. They tend to be ignored by pirates.
ANKO LUMEN
Who is on the official away team?
GIDEON JUDGE
Not to worry Dr. Lumen, we won’t need you for this one.
ANKO LUMEN
Very well, I’ll be leaving now.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
GIDEON JUDGE
The away team will consist of myself, Captain Bayflower, Captain Aldridge, Serebella Reon, and Ursula Nash.
URSULA NASH
5 of us? Is that enough?
GIDEON JUDGE
I don’t want to alarm them with a big party of people. I’ve sent the other details to your communicators. Security Officer Reon will provide you with weapons and I will conduct a blessing ceremony once we arrive.
URSULA NASH
Did you say weapons?
SEREBELLA REON
Don’t worry Ursula, it’s a stun gun, I’ll show you how to use it. It’s easy.
GIDEON JUDGE
Our cause is righteous everyone, trust me. Are there any other questions? No? I relinquish the floor once again to our esteemed Captain Rex.
REGINA REX
Thank you Gideon. You heard the man, get prepped people; our next stop will be the moon!
END OF EPISODE 1