VOID - SEASON 4, EPISODE 1
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
Season 4 Premiere - Putting the Pieces Back Together
VOID PODCAST LLC
NARRATOR
Season 4, episode 1. In the season
3 finale of VOID, the crew found themselves running for their lives after rescuing Jonas and Gilban who were taken prisoner on the Mars Galactic Fueling Station. After making it back to the Ching She they begin to understand the cost of their rescue.
SOUND: SHIP INTERIOR, PEOPLE RECOVERING, ENGINES POWERING UP
INT. CHING SHE BOARDING DECK - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Gone? What do you mean gone?
REGINA REX
That explosion you heard was her saving us.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
But, why are we leaving her there?
REGINA REX
I think you know the answer to that.
(long pause)
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, this can’t be.
REGINA REX
I’ve got to go to the bridge and get us out of here.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
SEREBELLA REON
Jonas, why don’t you sit here with me for a second? I got this Ursula, see to Gilban.
URSULA NASH
Gideon! Give me a hand pushing this gurney, I need to get Gilban to medical.
GIDEON JUDGE
On it!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, GURNEY BEING WHEELED AWAY, HATCH
SEREBELLA REON
Hey, just take a moment.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
She’s really gone, isn’t she?
SEREBELLA REON
Yeah, she is. I’m sorry.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I didn’t get to say goodbye, or tell her that I’m proud of her, or...
REGINA REX
(over speaker) We’re out of here.
SOUND: ENGINES FIRING UP LOUDER, SHIP UNDOCKING AND ACCELERATING, TRANSITION SOUND SOUND, MEDICAL LAB PROCEDURES
INT. THE CHING SHE - MEDICAL OFFICE - NIGHT
URSULA NASH
Gideon would you please hand me that control pad?
GIDEON JUDGE
Sure, here you go.
SOUND: BUTTONS BEING PUSHED
URSULA NASH
I’m running a full scan on him now.
SOUND: MEDICAL SCANNER
GIDEON JUDGE
How does he look?
URSULA NASH
Not terrible so far. Looks like mostly heavy contusions. Oh boy, he does have some cracked ribs though. And a hairline fracture in his left femur, he’s lucky it’s not a full break. He’s been beaten pretty badly.
GIDEON JUDGE
Is he going to be ok?
URSULA NASH
After awhile. I’m going to administer healing nanites to mend the fractures along with painkillers.
GILBAN TRICKEY
(stirring slowly awake) Painkillers sound like a damn good idea to me.
URSULA NASH
Take it easy, it looks like you’ve suffered a minor concussion too.
Stay still for a moment.
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED, INJECTIONS BEING ADMINISTERED
GILBAN TRICKEY
It feels like someone hit me with an asteroid.
GIDEON JUDGE
You took a beating.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I thought they were going to kill us. Jonas! Is he...?
GIDEON JUDGE
He’s ok. We made it onto the ship, Regina’s getting us out of here.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Oh, that’s great, I’m glad we made it out.
URSULA NASH
Um, yeah, why don’t you take it easy and get some rest. The painkillers should be kicking in.
GILBAN TRICKEY
(trailing off to sleep)
Oh yeah, they’re in there. I’ll just be here snnghhhh....
URSULA NASH
He’s out.
GIDEON JUDGE
Do you think we should’ve told him?
URSULA NASH
No. It’s best he sleep and heal a bit first, it will be difficult for him once he finds out.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SHIP INTERIOR
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re telling me there was no other way?!
REGINA REX
No, I’m telling you we didn’t have time to debate about it. Nova made the call. And by the time she told me, it was too late to stop her.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I see. I just wish I had known.
REGINA REX
Some things are not up for a committee discussion Jonas, you need to accept that.
ANKO LUMEN
I agree with the captain Jonas, you need to be more disciplined about this kind of thing.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Why don’t you shut the hell up before I punch you in the face?
REGINA REX
Noone asked for your opinion Anko. Thanks for your help on the bridge, you can go back to your cabin now.
ANKO LUMEN
Fine, I can see my opinions aren’t appreciated here.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks. A moment longer and I may have actually punched him.
REGINA REX
Although his timing is wildly inappropriate, he does have a point.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What do you mean?
REGINA REX
I know the 2 of you were close friends and that you felt responsible for her. But, people die out here and it’s best to not get overly attached. Especially if you’re in command.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So, what, you don’t give a damn about anyone? What about Gideon? What if it was him? Would you care?
REGINA REX
Definitely. But I wouldn’t let it keep me down. I would make a toast to my dear friend, get really shitfaced and then I would move on. He would do the same and wouldn’t want it any other way.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s it then, you’ll toast Nova and forget about her?
REGINA REX
No, I’ll toast Nova and fondly remember a woman I had the privilege of working with, even if for a short time.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And how do we prevent this kind of thing from happening again?
REGINA REX
What kind of thing? You think what we just experienced is a regular occurrence? Welcome to space my friend, there’s no predicting anything out here.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t want to be responsible for losing anyone else!
REGINA REX
You’re not. Everyone is here by choice and you have absolutely no control over anything my dear Captain Aldrige.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
She wouldn’t have even been out here if it hadn’t been for me. I talked her into being my co- captain.
REGINA REX
Which is something she really wanted. You helped her to fulfill a dream.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And now she’s dead.
REGINA REX
Yes, and that was her choice to save all of us. She’ll be remembered for that by everyone as a hero.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t want anyone else to die.
REGINA REX
That’s not up to you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Who is it up to then? How do you cope with this?
REGINA REX
You should spend some time with Gideon.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, KITCHEN SOUNDS, MOVEMENT, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, CABINETS BEING OPENED AND CLOSED
INT. THE CHING SHE - MEAL HALL - LATE NIGHT
ANKO LUMEN
Hey is there any of that Red Lotus Bitter around?
SEREBELLA REON
(very high)
Yeah, there’s a fresh bottle in that cabinet.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, CABINET OPENING, DRINK BEING POURED
ANKO LUMEN
Thanks. SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)
Mind if I join you?
SEREBELLA REON
Sure, have a seat.
SOUND: CHAIR SOUND
ANKO LUMEN
Can you believe this shit?
SEREBELLA REON
It’s brutal.
ANKO LUMEN
After everything, she practically kicks me off the bridge!
SEREBELLA REON
Yeah, what’s up with that?! Wait, what are we talking about?
ANKO LUMEN
I guide everyone back to safety thanks to my quick thinking and as soon as I offer my opinion on command issues I’m patted on the head and excused from the bridge.
SEREBELLA REON
Are you being serious right now?
ANKO LUMEN
I know, it’s ridiculous! I’m the hero of this mission and she dismisses me because she doesn’t want to hurt Aldrige’s tender feelings. And then he threatens me! Can you believe he...
SOUND: ANKO BEING SLAPPED ACROSS THE FACE
SEREBELLA REON
Wake up you ass! We just lost someone!! Don’t you get that? Are you so wrapped up in yourself that you can’t see that one of our crew died?
ANKO LUMEN
How dare you! You slapped me!!
SEREBELLA REON
You’re lucky I didn’t leap across this table and pummel you into the floor you insensitive prick.
ANKO LUMEN
Your eyes are red and watering! You’re high as a kite right now, aren’t you? I recognize it!
SEREBELLA REON
I’ve been crying! Nova is gone. You understand that, right?
ANKO LUMEN
That’s why you attacked me! You’re drugged out of your mind!
SEREBELLA REON
I think you better leave now Anko. Going back to your cabin might be the best thing to guarantee your safety since I am technically off duty at the moment.
ANKO LUMEN
Are you threatening me?
SEREBELLA REON
Stick around and you’ll find out.
SOUND: CHAIR, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, HABITAT SOUNDS
INT. THE CHING SHE - PLANT HABITAT - MORNING
GIDEON JUDGE
Good morning Jonas. I’m so happy you could pay me a visit. I prefer to meditate in the mornings.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t know why that matters since there’s no...
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED, “MORNING VIEW” INITIATED
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Oh, wow.
GIDEON JUDGE
Impressive, isn’t it?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s beautiful, I’ve never seen a sun rise like this, even back on Earth. How?
GIDEON JUDGE
It’s a holographic projection dome. I can make it simulate any environment. Similar to something called a planetarium in the days of old.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Up on your history are you?
GIDEON JUDGE
Always. Knowledge truly is power.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s stunning.
GIDEON JUDGE
Yes it is, it’s something I use to stimulate plant growth and of course for my morning meditation.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Well, you could really use it any time, you wouldn’t have to necessarily use it just in the mornings according to time, right?
GIDEON JUDGE
I’m not sure what you’re getting at.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Never mind, it’s not important. Thank you for seeing me, Regina recommended I talk to you.
GIDEON JUDGE
Yes, I understand you’re grieving quite intensely over the loss of Captain Bayflower.
SOUND: BAREFEET WALKING, TENDING TO PLANTS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes, it’s been difficult.
GIDEON JUDGE
You don’t look like you’ve had any sleep.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, I haven’t. I was up all night.
SOUND: PLANTS RUSTLING
GIDEON JUDGE
I find tending to plants to be relaxing. Why don’t you lend a hand?
Uh, sure.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
GIDEON JUDGE
Grab that small shovel there and dig around the edge of that miniature pear tree would you? I need to transplant that one.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, DIGGING SOUNDS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(sarcastically)
Yeah, I feel better already.
GIDEON JUDGE
Give it time Jonas, because that’s ultimately what you need. Time to heal.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re right, I’m sorry I don’t mean to be impatient.
GIDEON JUDGE
We’re not that far into the journey and it’s already been very challenging. And since this is your first time in space I can see how you could feel overwhelmed.
*PAUSE A BEAT, MOMENTS OF SILENCE THROUGHOUT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I feel guilty.
GIDEON JUDGE
About what?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Nova dying. I feel if she had just stayed on the station she would’ve been fine and just living life.
GIDEON JUDGE
Being out here was her life Jonas! I didn’t know her as well as you but I could tell she wanted to be in space! There was such passion when I spoke with her about it. She was so excited about being co- pilot. A role that I must now fulfill.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re co-pilot? That was quick.
GIDEON JUDGE
Regina and I discussed it, she needed a replacement and couldn’t wait.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Decisions seem to happen pretty quickly around here, we haven’t even had a chance to mourn Nova’s passing.
GIDEON JUDGE
These decisions aren’t made out of coldness but out of necessity.
There always has to be a back up and I am more familiar with the ship than anyone except Regina since I’ve been traveling with her for so long. It’s not the first time I’ve been assigned the role.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I see.
GIDEON JUDGE
I think we should continue to do this.
Do what?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
GIDEON JUDGE
Have these sessions. Do you feel any better?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(lets out a breath)
A little. Digging in the dirt did get me out of my head a bit.
GIDEON JUDGE
See? What say we do this every other day?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Every two days. I’m in training with Serebella too.
GIDEON JUDGE
Done. I’d like to offer a suggestion if I may?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes, of course.
GIDEON JUDGE
Don’t carry the guilt of the dead on your shoulders. Death is not something that mancan control.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND SOUND, MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS
INT. THE CHING SHE - MEDICAL OFFICE - LATE MORNING
GILBAN TRICKEY
Oh damn, my head is throbbing.
URSULA NASH
Here. Take these.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, PILL BOTTLE, DRINKING
GILBAN TRICKEY
How long was I out?
URSULA NASH
About 11 hours. You were pretty banged up.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Feels like it.
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Where are we?
URSULA NASH
Not sure. We got out of there as fast as we could, there haven’t been any updates.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Business as usual eh? That’s Regina, she doesn’t screw around.
URSULA NASH
No she doesn’t.
GILBAN TRICKEY
How bad am I then?
URSULA NASH
Not too bad. Minor concussion, some cracked ribs and a hairline fracture in your femur. The fractures are mostly mended according to my latest scans. And the pills you just took will help ease your concussion. You should be back on your feet in a day or two.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Well I’ll just have to enjoy my time off won’t I? Am I allowed visitors? I’d like to get Nova in here, she and I have some catching up to do!
URSULA NASH
About Nova. Look, there’s no easy way to say this.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Say what Ursula? What happened?
URSULA NASH
She didn’t make it, she’s gone Gilban.
GILBAN TRICKEY
No. You’re just joking with me, isn’t that right?
URSULA NASH
I’m afraid not. From what I gather, Gideon was carrying you, Jonas was injured and you were all being chased. I guess they were going to catch you and Nova prevented that from happening. I’m truly sorry.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Oh. I guess that’s the way it goes, isn’t it?
URSULA NASH
I wish I could say something to make this easier for you.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I appreciate the sentiment doc.
SOUND: ALL CALL SOUND
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
Attention Ching She crew. We are back on course heading deeper into Mars orbit. Once we arrive at our entry point we’ll stay in orbit as the away team heads to the surface. Until then, as you all know we’ve lost one of our own and will be saying a few words as a crew in remembrance of Captain Bayflower.
Please report to the bridge in 10 minutes.
URSULA NASH
Do you want me to help you up to the bridge? I have a wheel chair right...
GILBAN TRICKEY
(interrupting)
No, I’d rather stay here. Tell Captain Rex I’m too tired right now to be there. I would be grateful to be alone for awhile if you don’t mind.
URSULA NASH
Sure, no problem. I’ll be back to see how you’re doing later.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
GILBAN TRICKEY
“Sobbing sounds”
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
INT. THE CHING SHE - CREW DECK CORRIDOR - DAY
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh, hey Serebella.
SEREBELLA REON
Hey Jonas, how are you feeling?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS TOGETHER CONTINUE
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Like it’s still not real somehow. I keep waiting to bump into her somewhere.
SEREBELLA REON
I know what you mean. I went through something similar when I lost Phineous. He was my best friend.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s weird isn’t it? The hole that gets left behind.
SEREBELLA REON
It is. You go somewhere you expect to see them and it’s like there’s an emptiness in the space they’re supposed to be occupying.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
But there’s a weight to it.
SEREBELLA REON
Exactly. I’m sorry you’re going through this.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And I’m sorry you went through it with Phineous.
SEREBELLA REON
Thanks.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS CONTINUED
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(joking)
At least you’re not attacking me.
SEREBELLA REON
For the moment.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, GLASSES, DRINKS BEING POURED
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - DAY
REGINA REX
Ok, that’s everyone. If you all could join me in a drink that would be appreciated. Thank you for coming to the bridge to take a moment for Nova. Death is part of life in space. We never see it coming until it’s been here and left. And even though we know all this, it’s never easy to lose someone. Nova Bayflower was a great captain, a strong woman and a damn fine co-pilot in addition to selflessly giving her life at the end to save ours. A debt we will owe her always. Jonas?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s hard for me to say anything right now, especially following your excellent soliloquy Captain Rex. Nova Bayflower was courageous, passionate, and a fierce friend. I owe her my life now from 3 different occasions and I hope I can live up to what she’s done for me. She will be missed greatly and never forgotten by anyone on this crew. If not for her, this mission would not have made it this far; humanity will know of her sacrifices as well. I miss my friend.
REGINA REX
Hold your glasses high. “Oh, here’s to other meetings, and merry greetings then; and here’s to those we’ve drunk with, but never can again.” To Captain Bayflower!
***DIALOGUE: EVERONE(JONAS, URSULA, GIDEON, ANKO, SEREBELLA)
- “CAPTAIN BAYFLOWER!”
SOUND CONTINUED: GLASSES CLINKING, THEME SONG END OF EPISODE 1