VOID - SEASON 4, EPISODE 2
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
The Mars Mission
VOID PODCAST LLC
NARRATOR
Season 4, episode 2. During the last episode of VOID, the crew mourned the loss of a friend and fellow crew member. Jonas and Gilban discovered that their wounds went deeper than suspected.
Serebella clashed with Anko over his insensitivities. Gideon was handed the role of co-pilot and the crew endeavored to move on.
INT. THE CHING SHE - MEDICAL OFFICE - DAY SOUND: MEDICAL SCANNER
URSULA NASH
It’s been 2 days now; it looks like the nanites have done their job and your bones are mended. Your bruising has gone down as well. Any more headaches?
GILBAN TRICKEY
No, I feel fine.
URSULA NASH
Good. Keep in mind that the mending procedure takes some time to heal fully. I wouldn’t recommend a lot of strenuous activity for another week.
GILBAN TRICKEY
That’s a problem.
URSULA NASH
Why?
GILBAN TRICKEY
I have work to do. We’re here, at Mars. It’s time for my contract.
URSULA NASH
I don’t think that’s a great idea.
GILBAN TRICKEY
(bitter)
It’s either that or I forfeit the contract which I won’t do. I’ve lost too much already.
URSULA NASH
You should talk to the captains about this.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I intend to. Can I go?
URSULA NASH
Yes, you’re free and clear to leave.
SOUND: MOVEMENT, GATHERING THINGS
URSULA NASH (CONT'D)
If you insist on going through with this I’ll be right there on the shuttle if you need help.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Have you ever been on another planet Ursula?
URSULA NASH
No, I haven’t.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Be careful what you sign up for.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, TRANSITION SOUND
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - DAY
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t know if this mission is such a good idea right now. With what happened to Nova and Gilban’s injuries, I’m concerned about how this is going to go.
REGINA REX
Well, we can’t sit here for weeks just wasting time.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What do you think about hitting Mars on the way back from the other missions? I know it pushes his timetable but it might be beneficial to...
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
REGINA REX
Speak of the devil. How are you doing Gilban?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Right as rain, the doc gave me a clean bill of health.
REGINA REX
Do you feel well enough to be mission ready?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Absolutely.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Gilban, fractures like that usually take a couple weeks to...
GILBAN TRICKEY
(interrupting)
The doc said the nanites did their job so I’m good to go.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
But...
GILBAN TRICKEY
Are you familiar with nanite technology Captain Aldridge?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, can’t say that I am.
GILBAN TRICKEY
So I trust what the doc says, ok?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Uh, sure. What about mentally?
GILBAN TRICKEY
What about it?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Well, you and Nova were really close. I’d imagine it’s difficult to...
GILBAN TRICKEY
(interrupting, agitated)
You were close to her too weren’t you?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes of course.
GILBAN TRICKEY
And you seem fine, so why shouldn’t I be?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m not totally fine but I guess that’s a fair point.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I just want to get back to work.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How would you feel if we delayed your contract?
GILBAN TRICKEY
What do you mean?
REGINA REX
Captain Aldridge suggested that we could hit Mars for your mission on the way back from the others.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Delay my contract? With us right here? I don’t think so.
REGINA REX
Are you sure? Remember what happened last time? And you weren’t injured then.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Last time? Later.
REGINA REX GILBAN TRICKEY
A contract is a contract Captain Rex, I believe you’ve said this yourself.
REGINA REX
Indeed I have.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Then, there’s my answer.
REGINA REX
Very well. Just remember the responsibilities this comes with Gilban. People’s lives will be in your hands.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I’m prepared for that.
REGINA REX
You better be.
GILBAN TRICKEY
With your permission, I’d like to go now so I can begin mission prep.
REGINA REX
Sure. Don’t forget to get back to your maintenance duties for the ship while you’re at it.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Yes captain Rex. (starting to leave)
Captain Aldridge.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What happened last time? You were here before?
REGINA REX
We were, same contract in fact. We lost some people.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How?
REGINA REX
The storms on the Mars surface can get really intense.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
The wind speeds are that bad? I thought the worst it got was around 90km an hour or something.
REGINA REX
It’s not so much the wind as it is the dust that kicks up. Mars doesn’t have as much atmospheric pressure as Earth so more gets thrown around. The dust particles are very small and can be electrostatic so it gets stuck in everything and can be so thick that it blots out the sun. The storms can be huge and last days.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So what happened on this other mission?
REGINA REX
There was an away team headed by Gilban. Once they arrived, they got pretty far away from the landing site when we saw a storm develop and start to move in their direction. By the time we warned them, they were too far away to get back before it hit. They tried to work their way through it but because of the thickness of the dust, they didn’t see a crevasse and several of them died.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How much of a role did Gilban play in all this?
REGINA REX
He was mission lead and unfortunately had bad intel as to the location of the artifact marker. He took them in the opposite direction of where they needed to go. He did turn the crew around when we told them about the storm. He wasn’t intentionally putting anyone at risk.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Just accidentally putting them at risk.
REGINA REX
Granted the crew he was with were in-experienced at dealing with such conditions.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Just like us.
REGINA REX
Yes. This time he’s assured me he has the right coordinates and there won’t be much time spent on the surface so the storms shouldn’t be as much of a concern.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And when we get under the surface?
REGINA REX
I don’t know.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, METAL SOUNDS, MACHINERY, BUTTONS PRESSED, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - ENGINEERING DECK - AFTERNOON
GIDEON JUDGE
Gilban! How are you?
GILBAN TRICKEY
I’m fine Gideon.
GIDEON JUDGE
Captain Rex reached out and thought it might be good for me to pay you a visit.
GILBAN TRICKEY
As you can see, I’m a bit busy at the moment. I have to finish my duties here and then I have a mission to prepare for so can we make this quick?
GIDEON JUDGE
Healing one’s soul is never something to be rushed.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Is that what you’re here for? To heal my soul?
GIDEON JUDGE
No, only you can do that. I’m here to aid you in that healing.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Ok. Can you aid me by handing me that pressure meter over there?
GIDEON JUDGE
Sure. Here you go.
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED, PRESSURE METER MAKING SOUNDS
GILBAN TRICKEY
Thank you, that was very helpful.
GIDEON JUDGE
That’s not what I meant.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Look, what do you want from me? To admit that I’m depressed? To admit that I hurt? Yes, yes to all of it. But I got a damn job to do and I’m going to see to it. And this artifact we’re going after, I’ve been chasing it my whole life.
GIDEON JUDGE
Yes, about that. I wanted you to know that under the circumstances I cannot bless your mission.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Not that it matters, but why not?
GIDEON JUDGE
I’ve read about the treasure you seek and I can tell you that only damnation is what you’ll get. That is why I cannot give you my blessing.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Here’s the thing, I don’t need your blessing and you don’t need to worry about being on the away team for this one since Regina is piloting the shuttle.
GIDEON JUDGE
Well, generally my blessings are appreciated...
GILBAN TRICKEY
(cutting him off)
Will there be any more aid in healing my soul or are we done?
GIDEON JUDGE
No, we’re done for now. I’d like to make regular visits with you until I assess that you’re back to your old self.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I really don’t need your therapy Gideon.
GIDEON JUDGE
I’m afraid Captain Rex insists.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - MEDICAL OFFICE - AFTERNOON
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Can you spare a moment?
URSULA NASH
Are you kidding? I’ve been waiting to see you all day.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, KISSING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Whew, I needed that.
URSULA NASH
Me too. I had to bring you in for a physical anyway.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(flirty)
Oooooo, is that what we’re calling it now?
URSULA NASH
(flirty)
No, not that! To make sure you’re ok with going to Mars. Your name is on the away team list.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I saw your name on the list too, do you want me to give you a physical?
URSULA NASH
I’m not going on the surface, I’m staying in the shuttle with Regina so no, I don’t need a physical.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re no fun.
URSULA NASH
Oh yes I am. Take your shirt off.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Now we’re talking.
URSULA NASH
Very cute. Sit here and let me check you out, I mean, check your vitals.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sure.
SOUND: SCANNING SOUNDS
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Do you think Gilban is ok to go to the surface?
URSULA NASH
Yes and no. Mentally he seems pretty focused but on edge so that’s a concern. Physically he’s ok but if he puts too much strain on himself he could aggravate his fractures. They’re mended but not fully healed yet.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
He told me and Regina that you cleared him for the mission.
URSULA NASH
That’s not true. I said he could leave from here but that he needed another week to heal.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh shit, Regina needs to know that.
URSULA NASH
Are you worried?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Constantly but yes, after talking to Regina and hearing what happened last time.
URSULA NASH
What happened last time?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
In short, Gilban took the away team in the wrong direction, a storm hit and some people died. Not his fault but not reassuring either.
URSULA NASH
And you’re concerned because of what happened with Nova.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes. I was close to Nova but they were closer. He seemed to really grow to love her and she him.
URSULA NASH
I remember seeing them all flirty with each other when they would eat together.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m concerned her death is weighing on him. I know how it’s effected me, I can only imagine what he’s going through.
SOUND: BUTTON PRESSED, COMPUTER PROCESSING
URSULA NASH
Your results look good. Vitals are tip top and your bruises are healed completely too.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Good, I’m guessing we can get back to more rigorous activities now.
Isn’t that right?
URSULA NASH
Yes Captain Aldridge, I believe we can.
SOUND: KISSING, TRANSITION SOUND, GEAR BEING PREPARED, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - BOARDING DECK - EVENING
GILBAN TRICKEY
Ah! Captain Rex, I was just finishing collecting the gear. I’m ready to go over the details with the away team.
REGINA REX
Yeah, about that. I hear physically this may not be the best idea since you’re not quite fully healed.
GILBAN TRICKEY
The doc game me leave to...
REGINA REX
(interrupting)
The doc cleared you to leave the medical station, not for this mission. I’m told that you need another week to fully heal. Don’t lie to me Gilban.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Ok, I guess I’m still a little tender but I’m good to go.
REGINA REX
Are you?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Dammit! You too? Everyone is breathing down my neck about this!
REGINA REX
For obvious reasons! I’ve never seen you this tense and now you’re trying to bullshit your way around injuries! What’s going on with you Gilban?
GILBAN TRICKEY
(getting emotional)
I never expected to get close to her, you know? But, I went against my code and got attached. For the first time in a long time, I grew to love someone only to have her taken away from me! It sucks!
REGINA REX
Which is why there’s concern Gilban. You have to be on your game physically and emotionally or people die.
GILBAN TRICKEY
(calming down)
I know that. You have to understand that this artifact means a lot to me. After losing her, I need this. I need something good that’s mine. I’m focused Captain Rex. The only time I get emotional is when everyone keeps getting in my face about what happened. I’ll mourn Nova and talk all day long to Gideon if you want me to but after Mars is done, ok?
REGINA REX
(hesitant)
Fine. I’ll be monitoring closely from the shuttle and if I think for a second that you or this mission are compromised I will pull the plug and order everyone to immediately bug out. Understood?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Understood. With your permission, I’d like to hail the away team to go over the mission details.
REGINA REX
Permission granted.
SOUND: TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - CONTROL DECK - EVENING
GILBAN TRICKEY
Right, everyone’s here. Now then, here’s the official mission run down. On the away team will be myself as lead, Captain Aldridge, Anko, and Serebella. Included on the shuttle will be Captain Rex and Ursula. Gideon will remain on the Ching She. Once on the surface, we will be looking for a marker where the entrance is to go below the surface. I have the coordinates of the marker.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And has this marker been properly researched as to the authenticity of the location?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Indeed it has. Checked many times over. I’ll admit I made a mistake in my calculations last time and got us off course a bit.
ANKO LUMEN
Just how far off course were you?
GILBAN TRICKEY
A good bit, but I assure you I don’t make the same mistake twice.
ANKO LUMEN
How can we be sure you didn’t make a mistake this time too?
REGINA REX
Because he’s the mission lead and we need to put our trust in him.
ANKO LUMEN
That’s all fine and well for you Captain Rex since you’re staying on the shuttle.
REGINA REX
Don’t be difficult Anko.
ANKO LUMEN
I’m not, I’m concerned about my well being and I can’t say I’m happy about being forced onto the away team like this. I should be here working on my own preparations.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We’re a long way off from your mission Anko and the agreement was that the crew would serve on each other’s contract missions so get over it.
ANKO LUMEN
Whatever, I want it noted that I’m going under duress.
REGINA REX
Noted, please continue Gilban.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Once we get to the entrance, we’ll be heading underground from there for the rest of the trip until we return to the shuttle.
SEREBELLA REON
Underground into what?
GILBAN TRICKEY
(excited)
What is believed to be an ancient Martian temple!
SEREBELLA REON
You’re shitting me.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Not at all, it’s rumored to have been there for thousands of years but no-one knows how long.
SEREBELLA REON
What’s there exactly?
GILBAN TRICKEY
An artifact. One of legend and power.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Power? What kind of power?
GILBAN TRICKEY
That remains to be seen.
ANKO LUMEN
Sounds like a bunch of wacko voodoo shit to me. Where’s the science behind this?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Ahh that’s the thing, I was skeptical too. But the power comes from the mineral it’s made from.
That mineral has an element in it that doesn’t appear on the Periodic Table and is completely foreign to mankind!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
If it does have this energy as you claim aren’t we putting everyone at risk by bringing an unstable element back on the ship?
GILBAN TRICKEY
I have a vessel that has a containment field generator in it to keep it isolated. The artifact itself isn’t very big, about the size of a person’s forearm.
SEREBELLA REON
What’s this temple going to be like?
GILBAN TRICKEY
According to the GPR scans, the temple is quite large. Roughly 10-
15 levels deep. The artifact is located on the bottom level near the center of the temple.
SEREBELLA REON
Naturally. I take it there’s no life forms we need to be concerned with.
GILBAN TRICKEY
None. No life forms whatsoever.
SEREBELLA REON
I’ll be taking extra security precautions anyway.
REGINA REX
That’s good to hear. It would be best to have the firepower and not need it.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Ok, but no-one shoots anything without talking to me about it first. We don’t want the place caving in on us.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Is that a concern?
GILBAN TRICKEY
This temple has been here for thousands of years as I said, I don’t know how stable the structure is. The scans show it to be in good shape but we can’t see that much detail.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I know you said we won’t be on the surface long but I wanted to know what the plan is in the event of a storm.
REGINA REX
Gideon will monitor surface activity from here and give us fair warning if he sees a storm approaching.
SOUND: SUIT GATHERED
GILBAN TRICKEY
If one hits I rigged our suits with tether lines that will shoot out like this.
SOUND: DART/CABLE LINE BEING SHOT OUT INTO THE WALL
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And if there’s nothing to connect it to?
GILBAN TRICKEY
The lines have enough force to anchor you into the ground or if shot near someone else, we can connect to each other using these clasps on the side of the suit.
SOUND: CLASP/CABLE SOUND
ANKO LUMEN
How long will this whole thing take?
GILBAN TRICKEY
By my estimations we should be able to get in and out in roughly 4-5 hours at the most. Everyone should grab a suit now and get familiar with them.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, GEAR BEING PASSED AROUND, ZIPPERS, ETC.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hey, this isn’t so unlike my radiation suit back on Earth.
GILBAN TRICKEY
They’re meant to be lightweight so we can get around easily while still carrying a breather on our backs. There are lights built into your helmets.
SOUND: LIGHT SWITCH BEING TURNED ON
SEREBELLA REON
What about sidearms?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Yep, have a holster for those too Serebella. Right here.
SEREBELLA REON
Nice.
GILBAN TRICKEY
There’s even a fluid dispenser connected to the Helmet once attached to the suit’s system.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Man, this suit has everything.
ANKO LUMEN
Except waste disposal.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Actually there is a built-in urine reservoir but nothing for feces so make sure you go beforehand. Are there any other questions? No?
REGINA REX
It looks like you’ve got this all figured out Gilban.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I do. Get ready everyone, we leave tomorrow.
END OF EPISODE 2