VOID - SEASON 3, EPISODE 10
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
VOID PODCAST LLC Copyright ©2021 voidthepodcast@gmail.com
The Mars Galactic Fueling Depot
NARRATOR
Season 3, episode 10. On the last episode of VOID, Anko and Jonas continue to clash and build more animosity towards each other.
Relationships get deeper as the crew has been in space for just over 2 months now. Ursula has started spiritual counseling with Gideon. And the Ching She pulled into close range of the Martian Galactic Fueling Depot.
SOUND: SHIP INTERIOR, BUBBLING SOUND (BONG/BUBBLER), BREATHING IN, COUGHING
INT. THE CHING SHE - SEREBELLA’S CABIN
SEREBELLA REON
(coughing, sounding rough, trying to clear throat)
Ok, this is no big deal. Just going to the fuel depot. So why am I so nervous? Feeling on edge...
SOUND: BONG USE
SEREBELLA REON (CONT'D)
Wow that’s good! He said the high was intense, but damn! I’m ready to mess up anyone that comes near my crew! Oh yeah baby! Bring it!
SOUND: MORE BONG USE, TRANSITION SOUND, SHIP INTERIOR, BUTTONS BEING PRESSED
INT. THE CHING SHE - URSULA’S CABIN - DAY
URSULA NASH
Astrid, create transmission for Max Huxley on the New Hope Space Station.
ASTRID
Creating transmission for Max Huxley in 3, 2, 1...
URSULA NASH
Hi Max, just passing along an update to let you know how things are going. Jonas and I are past dating now like I mentioned in my last transmission. We’re in a relationship, he’s a great guy. We get along really well and spend a lot of time together. I’m getting used to life out here, it’s very different than being on the station but I’m doing ok. Most of the crew is getting along with one exception, Anko Lumen. Hopefully that will change if he can stop being such a jerk. Our stowaway has worked out very well as a full- fledged crew member! We all love Aluna so much. We just arrived at the Mars fuel depot. We’re going to dock here for a bit before our expedition to Mars. That’s all for now, more later. Take care Max!
Astrid, end transmission and send.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH OPENING / CLOSING, FOOTSTEPS, SHIP INTERIOR
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - DAY
NOVA BAYFLOWER
That’s the 4th time, still no answer.
REGINA REX
Try hailing them again.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(entering the bridge) What’s going on?
REGINA REX
We’ve been trying to hail the fueling depot but no-one is answering.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Is that weird?
REGINA REX
Not really, they don’t always have someone at the comm station which is what I keep telling Captain Bayflower.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hey I’ve been hailing them, I just don’t see the point if they’re not answering. Let’s just dock already.
REGINA REX
They have to tell us where to put in, you can see they have about 10 ships docked there already. Hail them again and quit your bitching.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(sarcastically) Yes ma’am.
SOUND: CLICKING SOUND
NOVA BAYFLOWER (CONT'D)
Hailing the Mars Galactic Fueling Depot, this is the Ching She. We have arrived from the New Hope station and are requesting permission to dock. Over.
SOUND: STATIC
Nothing.
NOVA BAYFLOWER (CONT'D)
REGINA REX
Be patient.
SOUND: STATIC CONTINUED
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Is it absolutely necessary we dock here?
REGINA REX
Not really. We have more than enough fuel to get us to Titan and back to the station. I just prefer to top off the tank whenever I can as a precautionary measure.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What about landing on Mars?
REGINA REX
We can just leave the Ching She in Mars’ orbit and send the shuttle from there.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Then why don’t we just skip the depot? We can always try again on the way back.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
No way! I’ve heard so much about this place, I want to check it out. Regina says they have an amazing cantina.
REGINA REX
It’s the best! They serve some killer drinks.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
See? You’re out voted again Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
This isn’t about voting, it’s about the smart, safe decision. Why take unnecessary risk?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What’s the big risk? You heard her, she said they’re not always at the comm station, they’re probably just on a break. I want to get my drink on!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(escalating)
Is that all you care about? Your partying? What about the crew?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Well I think the crew could use a break like this to blow off some steam! Lighten up Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Maybe you should get more serious!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(getting angry)
Maybe you should get the stick out of your butt! I came out here into space looking for some adventure Jonas not to be held back by a tight ass!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So this whole mission is about your adventure Nova? Is that it?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You’re damn right! I’m not only a captain but the co-pilot of this ship and I say we dock this sucker anyway and have some fun!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m a captain too Nova.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
(condescending) Sure you are.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I say we hit the depot on the way back. Captain Rex?
REGINA REX
Sorry Jonas, that cantina is calling my name! Ok, we gave them long enough, let’s prepare to dock. Nova, find us an open spot.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
With pleasure!
SOUND: BUTTONS CLICKED
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
Crew of the Ching She. For anyone that would like to join us for some fun on the depot, report to the boarding deck in 15 minutes. We’ll be docking shortly.
SOUND: BUTTONS CLICKED
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
You really need to stop worrying so much Jonas. The fuel depot has fierce security, nothing ever happens here.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SHIP DOCKING WITH DEPOT, STEAM SOUNDS, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS, DOCK INTERIOR
INT. MARS GALACTIC FUELING DEPOT - DOCKING BAY - DAY
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(everyone is walking and talking)
Shouldn’t someone be here?
REGINA REX
With all those other ships docked the place is going to be busy.
You’re lucky if you get a welcome party when it’s like this. I imagine they’re stretched thin with their staff right now.
URSULA NASH
See Aluna? No bad men.
ALUNA SALAZAR
I guess you’re right Dr. Nash, thanks.
GILBAN TRICKEY
The food here is excellent, you’d be surprised what they can do with synthesized meat.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Can’t wait!
GIDEON JUDGE
Shame Anko couldn’t join us.
REGINA REX
Not really, he was being a prick so he has ship duty. I’ve had enough of his attitude.
SEREBELLA REON
(amped up, speeding like crazy)
You should force him to do some combat training with me! I’ll break him!
REGINA REX
Let’s take it down a notch Serebella, we’re not quite there yet. I’ll keep it mind though.
Here’s the hatch for the entrance hall.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS STOPPING, BUTTONS PRESSED, HATCH OPENING
INT. MARS GALACTIC FUELING DEPOT - ENTRANCE HALL - DAY
REGINA REX
Welcome to the depot! Let’s do some...
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, THEN STOPPING, DEPOT INTERIOR, QUIET AND ECHOEY
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
What the hell?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Is this area normally this empty? There is literally no-one in sight.
REGINA REX
No, this is not normal. Something is definitely off here. This area is never empty.
GILBAN TRICKEY
(yelling)
Hey yo! Anyone here?
SOUND: GILBAN’S VOICE ECHOES
REGINA REX
Let’s keep walking.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS PICKING UP AGAIN
SEREBELLA REON
(everyone walking and talking)
There doesn’t seem to be any signs of a battle.
REGINA REX
Maybe there’s some sort of assembly going on.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SHIP INTERIOR, BUTTONS / KEYPAD BEING PRESSED
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - AFTERNOON
ANKO LUMEN
(to himself, mocking Regina)
You and your attitude have ship duty Lumen. Bitch.
SOUND: BUTTONS / KEYPAD CONTINUED
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Out of all the crew to board I’m the one stuck here. Even the girl was allowed to go! I should be checking this place out for equipment! Hell, I could maybe find a more competent assistant here so I can ditch Aldridge. But no! I’m on the damn bridge having to perform system checks, and weapon checks, and engine...
SOUND: KEYPAD USE STOPS
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Who the hell is that? What is he doing down there?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH OPENING
INT. MARS GALACTIC FUELING DEPOT - COMMAND CENTER - AFTERNOON
REGINA REX
So the command center is empty too. Gilban get on that computer over there and see if you can access their logs. I’m going to try this one.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Yes captain.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, KEYPADS IN USE, COMPUTER BOOTING, PROCESSING SOUNDS
Anything?
REGINA REX
GILBAN TRICKEY
Not yet, but, wait a second.
SOUND: MORE KEYPAD AND PROCESSING SOUNDS
I’m in!
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Damn you’re good!
GILBAN TRICKEY
Don’t I know it baby! Ok, searching for entry logs...
SOUND: KEYPAD, PROCESSING SOUND, FOOTSTEPS
REGINA REX
(walking up to Gilban) What’s the most recent date?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Got it right here and it was, hmmmm, this can’t be. It’s from over a year ago.
REGINA REX
Are you sure? There’s nothing more recent?
GILBAN TRICKEY
No, this is the last one from about
13 months, and 12 days ago.
REGINA REX
Read it.
GILBAN TRICKEY
“Engineering Officer Reed. Entry 36, Mars Galactic Fueling Depot Engineering Team. Our concerns continue to be ignored by the depot Commander. He has not replied to our messages for the past 3 weeks and his lack of presence has not gone unnoticed. We’ve been warning him for months about the radiation levels. They are dangerously high and he has yet to make an official response. We have taken measures ourselves to quell the leaks and mitigate further rise of radiation levels. Since he has not officially issued any orders we felt it was in everyone’s best interest to act for the safety of the depot. We hope to get a response to our concerns ASAP. End of log entry 36 by Engineering Officer Reed.”
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Shouldn’t we get the hell out of here since there are radiation leaks?
REGINA REX
That was from a year ago. And if there is radiation, what are all those other ships doing docked here?
SEREBELLA REON
Captain, maybe it’s best for some of the crew to go to the ship until we figure out what’s going on.
REGINA REX
Agreed. Let’s head back to the entrance hall, we can split up from there.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, BUTTONS PRESSED, FOOTSTEPS STOPPING
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
What’s wrong?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
This hatch isn’t opening.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Let me take a look.
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED, MECHANICAL ADJUSTMENTS TRIED
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Huh, yep it’s dead.
SOUND: HATCH OPENING FROM ACROSS THE ROOM
GIDEON JUDGE
(from across the room) This one works!
REGINA REX
Alright, we’ll just have to loop around from the other side, let’s go.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH OPENING / CLOSING, FOOTSTEPS, DOCK INTERIOR
INT. MARS GALACTIC FUELING DEPOT - DOCKING BAY - AFTERNOON
ANKO LUMEN
Hey! You!
SOUND: RUNNING
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Come back here kid! I’m not going to hurt you.
SOUND: RUNNING
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Dammit! Come on, don’t make me run after you!
ZEVEN
(while running) Stay away from me!
ANKO LUMEN
(out of breath)
Just, stop, stop so we can...
SOUND: RUNNING STOPS
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Ok kid, you’re in a corner. Nowhere to...
SOUND: RUNNING AGAIN, SCRAMBLNG PAST
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Alright you little punk, you asked for it.
SOUND: DEVICE PREPARED, LOUD, CRIPPLING TONE OF SOUND
ZEVEN
Ahhhh!!
SOUND: RUNNING WITH BODY CRASHING INTO ITEMS ON THE DOCK, TONE OF SOUND CONTINUES, FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING
ANKO LUMEN
(talking over the sound)
A little invention of my own. That tone throws your whole equilibrium out of whack. I ask you, who needs a security officer when you have one of these? It really helps when you have dampeners in your ears too.
ZEVEN
Ahhhhhhh!!!
ANKO LUMEN
(still talking over sound)
I guess you don’t have dampeners do you?
ZEVEN
Shut it off! Shut it off!!
ANKO LUMEN
Very well, but only if you promise to behave.
ZEVEN
I promise!! Just shut it off!
SOUND: TONE SHUTTING DOWN
ANKO LUMEN
Now that I have your attention, who the hell are you?
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, DEPOT INTERIOR, SOUNDS OF ELECTRICITY FLICKERING
INT. MARS GALACTIC FUELING DEPOT - CORRIDOR - AFTERNOON
REGINA REX
(everyone walking and talking)
Hey Gilban, I don’t know this area. Do you?
GILBAN TRICKEY
No, it doesn’t look familiar.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I saw a sign earlier for security, we might be going there.
GILBAN TRICKEY
We haven’t come across any other junctions, we must be pretty deep in the middle of the depot somewhere.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m not crazy about these lights flickering on and off. The strobe effect is making me nauseous.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Suck it up Jonas.
REGINA REX
They would never let power issues go like this. Where is everyone?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS COMING TO A STOP
GILBAN TRICKEY
Ok Captain, we’ve got 3 hatches here to pick from which direction do you want to try?
REGINA REX
Let’s try them left to right.
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED
GILBAN TRICKEY
Nothing. Try that one Gideon.
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Ok, Ursula that one.
ALUNA SALAZAR
I’ll get it! I know how!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, BUTTONS PRESSED
GILBAN TRICKEY
All sealed Captain.
REGINA REX
We already know the hatch back at the command center isn’t working so I don’t want to waste time walking all the way back there. Let’s see if we can manually open one of these. Gilban, start working on that one on the left.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Sure, Jonas and Gideon, get over here, I’m going to need your help pulling it open.
SOUND: ELECTRICITY FLICKERING CONTINUES, FOOTSTEPS, TINKERING SOUNDS, TRANSITION SOUND
INT. MARS GALACTIC FUELING DEPOT - DOCKING BAY - NIGHT
ANKO LUMEN
What were you doing skulking around our ship?
ZEVEN
I was trying to find a way to sneak on.
ANKO LUMEN
Why? Who are you?
ZEVEN
My name is Zeven. I came with my family on the Wellspring. We deliver minerals here. Well, we used to.
ANKO LUMEN
Where is your family?
SOUND: NO REPLY, UNCOMFORTABLE SHIFTING
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Come on kid, we’re not going anywhere until you tell me what’s going on.
ZEVEN
(becoming unhinged)
They’re all dead!! Except my Mom. She joined them. She thought it would save us if she joined them. Now she’s one of them.
ANKO LUMEN
Who is them?
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, ELECTRICITY FLICKERING, TINKERING SOUNDS, BUTTONS BEING PRESSED
INT. MARS GALACTIC FUELING DEPOT - CORRIDOR
GILBAN TRICKEY
(sounds of working hard on the hatch)
Ok, we’re starting to get it. We should be able to go out this way in a second...
SOUND: HATCH SLOWLY STARTING TO BE FORCED OPEN
URSULA NASH
Hey Aluna, you can stop messing around with that hatch dear, we almost have this one open.
SOUND: BUTTONS BEING PRESSED AND SLIGHT SHUTTERING SOUND FROM ACROSS THE CORRIDOR
ALUNA SALAZAR
(from across the corridor)
I heard something over here move! I think I might be able to open...
SOUND: HATCH OPENING, ALUNA BEING GRABBED AND PULLED IN
ALUNA SALAZAR (CONT'D)
(screaming in terror) AAAAHHHHHH!!!
URSULA NASH
Noooo!!!!!
SOUND: HATCH CLOSING, MIDDLE HATCH OPENING, MANY FOOTSTEPS RUNNING TOWARDS CREW, CLANGING OF METAL WEAPONS, ORGANIZED GRUNTS OF AGGRESSION
Holy shit! RUN!!!!!
END OF EPISODE 10
GIDEON JUDGE REGINA REX