VOID - SEASON 4, EPISODE 7
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
The Beacon
VOID PODCAST LLC
NARRATOR
Season 4, episode 7. After departing Mars, Serebella checked in on Gilban only to find him confrontational and defensive.
Ursula met with Gideon to process feelings from the past that are impacting her present. At the end of the episode Regina and Jonas confronted Anko about a possible change in contracts just before detecting a distress signal.
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - DAY
SOUND: KEYPAD, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, DISTRESS SIGNAL
ANKO LUMEN
I would just like to once again reiterate my protest about investigating this signal. We have other priorities at hand.
REGINA REX
And once again, I’d like to remind you that I’ve heard your complaint and will tell you as I did before that it doesn’t matter. The decision has been made.
GIDEON JUDGE
What signal?
REGINA REX
We received a distress signal from another ship.
GIDEON JUDGE
We’re going to investigate, correct? They may need our help.
REGINA REX
See? Gideon’s been through this, he knows the proper attitude Anko.
Yes, we’re heading there now.
GIDEON JUDGE
Do you need a hand with anything captains?
REGINA REX
Actually you could start putting together the equipment we’ll need to board once we get there. Me, Gilban and Serebella will be on the boarding team.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Boarding team?
REGINA REX
Yes, we may not need to board but I want to be prepared just in case.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’ll give you a hand Gideon.
GIDEON JUDGE
Very good Captain Aldridge.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, KEYPAD
REGINA REX
Attention Ching She crew. We’ve received a distress signal from another ship so it is our obligation to investigate. Ursula, Gilban and Serebella, report to the bridge. We’ll be arriving at the other ship’s location shortly.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - AFTERNOON
URSULA NASH
Is that it there?
REGINA REX
Yeah, that’s it.
URSULA NASH
That ship looks pretty big.
REGINA REX
Yeah it’s a bit larger than the Ching She by the looks of it. Ok everyone. Here’s how this will go. Once we’re a little closer, we’ll scan for life forms and I’ll try to get them on comms. If we don’t hear from anyone, we’ll need to board to see what we can find. Serebella and Gilban you’re with me on the boarding team. Ursula I want you on standby in case we find people that require medical assistance. Jonas, and Gideon will monitor from here. Anko, you’re sitting this one out.
ANKO LUMEN
Works for me.
SOUND: LIMPING FOOTSTEPS, HATCH
GILBAN TRICKEY
Uh, I need to sit this one out too I’m afraid Captain.
REGINA REX
And why would that be?
GILBAN TRICKEY
(lying)
I, uh, I have some work I need to do on the aft rear engine since we’ll be stopped for awhile.
REGINA REX
Why are you only telling me this now? I didn’t see any problems with the aft engine.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Well, it just came up.
REGINA REX
I really need you with us on this Gilban in case there’s structural damage we need to examine. I see nothing on the scopes that indicates any ship problems here. The engine can wait.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I guess, if you say so.
REGINA REX
I say so. I want you and Serebella to get to the boarding deck and await further orders.
SEREBELLA REON
Yes captain. Let’s go Gilban.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Whatever.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, KEYPAD
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - LATER
REGINA REX
This is the Ching She responding to emergency beacon 3-13-11-LRH; please acknowledge.
SOUND: LIGHT STATIC
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
This is the Ching She hailing unknown ship in response to emergency beacon 3-13-11-LRH, please acknowledge. Astrid, run thermal scan for life forms.
ASTRID
Yes Captain, running thermal scan now.
SOUND: SCANNING
ASTRID (CONT'D)
Life forms confirmed. Approximately
63 life forms have been found.
REGINA REX
Astrid, are all life forms human?
ASTRID
No, some are animal, species unknown.
GIDEON JUDGE
I wonder why they’re not responding.
REGINA REX
Their communications might be out. Astrid, analyze ship and let me know if you can tap into the ship’s diagnostics.
ASTRID
Analyzing diagnostic systems, one moment please.
SOUND: PROCESSING
ASTRID (CONT'D)
Ship is operating at very low power. Engines are not running and not showing heat signatures from use. The only systems currently operating are life support systems. Unable to analyze any further due to access restrictions.
REGINA REX
Maybe that’s why they don’t have communications, not enough power. We’ll need to board.
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Gilban and Serebella, suit up. We’re heading inside, I’ll be there shortly. Captain Aldridge report to the bridge.
SOUND: STANDING UP FROM CHAIR
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
We’re right next to their air lock and lined up. Usual docking procedure. You have the bridge Gideon.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, LARGE METAL LOCKING MECHANISM, METAL CLUNK SOUND, DECOMPRESSION NOISE, FOOTSTEPS (*METAL GRATING)
INT. THE CHING SHE - BOARDING DECK - LATE AFTERNOON REGINA REX
(through helmet speaker) Alright, everyone’s suited up. Ursula please seal the air lock and remain here on stand by in case I need you to come in.
URSULA NASH
Will do Captain. Good luck everyone.
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX
Gideon, we’re heading in. Jonas, follow us on the monitors.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker) Affirmative.
SOUND: KEYPAD, BUTTONS, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH BEING SEALED, FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE AND STOP, LATCH TURNING, WHEEL CRANKED, HATCH OPENING, PRESSURE RELEASED, FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE, HATCH CLOSING, FOOTSTEPS, SECOND HATCH OPENING AND CLOSING, FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE
INT. UNKNOWN SHIP - CORRIDOR - LATE AFTERNOON
REGINA REX
Astrid, analyze oxygen and pressure levels.
SOUND: PROCESSING
ASTRID
Oxygen levels are nominal. Pressure levels have been normalized.
REGINA REX
Ok, you can retract helmets. Let’s save the breathers in case we need them.
SOUND: HELMETS RETRACTING
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Jonas, what do you see on scopes? Any movement?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker)
No, they all seem to be staying in that one area. Judging by the space they’re in it looks a number of different chambers.
REGINA REX
We have the layout on our wrist displays, we’re going directly there.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - LATE AFTERNOON
JONAS ALDRIDGE
They’re moving pretty consistently, it doesn’t look like anything is slowing them down.
GIDEON JUDGE
That’s good. Hopefully the ship is sound and they won’t run into any trouble.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Let’s hope that applies to the people we’re trying to help. We have no idea what they’re walking into. Last time it was mutant cannibals.
GIDEON JUDGE
I wouldn’t go negative right away Jonas. This is not the first disabled ship we’ve run into.
Cluttering together like they are is pretty routine when systems are out.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t like it. But you’re right, I’ll shut up about being negative. The captain seems to be keeping you on the ship lately Gideon.
GIDEON JUDGE
When I’m in the position of filling in for co-pilot, the captain prefers I stay on board unless she’s not on the away team.
Basically she wants a pilot on board at all times. I’m also not the most proficient at flying the shuttle during challenging landings like on Mars.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ah. Smart. You two seem to work together well. How long have you been with Regina?
GIDEON JUDGE
About 15 years now.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Wow!
GIDEON JUDGE
Yes, I’ve invested a lot of my time and effort into Captain Rex. I believe in what we’re doing.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I can see that. I’m glad we have two strong people that we can trust overseeing the ship.
GIDEON JUDGE
That’s very kind of you to say Captain Aldridge.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hmmm. It looks like they’ve stopped.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND
INT. UNKNOWN SHIP - CORRIDOR - EVENING
REGINA REX
Ok, we’re getting close. Serebella, I don’t want you to bring firearms out but I want you to have them at the ready. Understand? Serebella?
SEREBELLA REON
(was zoning out, startled) What?
REGINA REX
Are you paying attention?
SEREBELLA REON
Yes, of course. I was just surveying the area.
REGINA REX
Well? At the ready?
SEREBELLA REON
Roger. At the ready.
REGINA REX
And don’t fire unless I give the order.
SEREBELLA REON
Understood.
REGINA REX
Gilban, let me do the talking.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Hey, it’s your party. Let’s just get this done, alright? I want to get back to working on the ship.
REGINA REX
It’s going to take as long as it takes Gilban, just like your Mars contract. Now let’s go, they should be through this next hatch.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS AND THEN STOP, BUTTONS PRESSED, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE, SMALL CROWD SOUNDS GETTING CLOSER AS THEY WALK, MORE FOOTSTEPS
INT. UNKNOWN SHIP - COMMUNAL CHAMBER - NIGHT
CULT MEMBER #1
Oh! Hello!
REGINA REX
Uh, hello. I’m Captain Regina Rex of the Ching She. We docked with your ship to see if everyone is ok.
CULT MEMBER #1
Yes, our beacon. It’s a beacon of calling for all.
REGINA REX
Your ship is running on low power. Do you need assistance?
CULT MEMBER #1
It’s best for you to speak with our leader.
REGINA REX
Leader? You mean the captain?
CULT MEMBER #1
She’s this way, follow me.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, MURMURS, THE WORD “SURPRESSIVES” IS HEARD AMONG THE MURMURS, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE, QUIET ENVIRONMENT
INT. UNKNOWN SHIP - COMMAND CHAMBER - NIGHT
BEXA ORESS
So these are the people that docked with our ship. Welcome! I bid you welcome! My name is Bexa Oress.
REGINA REX
Thank you. I’m Captain Regina Rex. Forgive us for just walking in, we tried to hail you on comms but no- one answered.
BEXA ORESS
Our communications system has not been used for quite a long time.
REGINA REX
That’s what we assumed. We docked just to check and see if you were in need of assistance.
BEXA ORESS
Are you from the New Hope space station?
REGINA REX
Yes we are.
SOUND: LIGHT MURMURS, AGAIN THE WORD “SUPPRESSIVES” IS HEARD.
BEXA ORESS
I see. Well, you seem to be at least somewhat pure nonetheless. The beacon only calls the true of heart to our cause.
REGINA REX
I’m sorry, I don’t understand.
BEXA ORESS
What are you doing so far away from the station Captain Rex?
REGINA REX
(reluctant, getting suspicious)
Well, that’s our business but we’re basically on mission for various contracts.
BEXA ORESS
And you’ll be going back to the station when you’re done?
REGINA REX
Yes, but we can contact the New Hope if you need aid getting your ship back to...
BEXA ORESS
(interrupting)
That won’t be necessary Captain Rex. In fact, we don’t subscribe to the same belief in technology that the New Hope continually promotes with their propaganda. The 5 are corrupt and they spread their corruption like a cancer through the station’s populace.
REGINA REX
Oh shit, you’re separatists.
BEXA ORESS
That’s such a generic term Captain and that hardly describes who we are.
REGINA REX
Who are you then?
BEXA ORESS
We are the cult of Zeemu.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It looks like they’ve made contact but why hasn’t she called in yet? Should we try to reach out on comms?
GIDEON JUDGE
Not yet. Give her some time. She’ll hail us if there’s trouble.
URSULA NASH
(over speaker) Any word yet?
SOUND: KEYPAD
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, but it looks like they’ve made contact.
URSULA NASH
Ok thanks, keep me posted handsome.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Will do hot stuff.
GIDEON JUDGE
Aren’t you too cute?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yeah, yeah.
GIDEON JUDGE
Just be gentle with her Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What do you mean?
GIDEON JUDGE
I mean she’s fragile. She’s worried about your safety because of what happened with her brother.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How would you know that?
GIDEON JUDGE
Because I’m counseling her on your relationship among other things.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re counseling me too. Aren’t you supposed to keep that kind of thing confidential?
GIDEON JUDGE
I decide what’s confidential and what needs to be shared Jonas. Let me worry about that.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I can’t say that instills a lot of trust from me Gideon. If you’re telling me details from a private discussion I’m wondering what you’re sharing with others.
GIDEON JUDGE
Information isn’t to be used for gaining power over someone Jonas. I resent you implying that I would ever use it for anything other than the most constructive of ways.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Does Ursula know you’re telling me these things?
GIDEON JUDGE
She’s aware of my methods, yes.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’ll discuss this with her myself.
GIDEON JUDGE
Be my guest.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Until then, I’d appreciate it if you kept our conversations completely confidential. I don’t want to agree to any loopholes by accident. At least if we’re going to continue our sessions.
GIDEON JUDGE
As you wish.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND
INT. UNKNOWN SHIP - COMMAND CHAMBER - NIGHT
REGINA REX
Can’t say I’ve ever heard of your organization. It looks like you’re doing fine so we’ll just head back to our ship.
BEXA ORESS
Before you go, perhaps you’ll join me for some tea and conversation.
REGINA REX
Unfortunately we do have contracts to fulfill so time is...
BEXA ORESS
(cutting her off)
Time is up to us how we interpret it and spend it. You’re not a slave to it are you Captain Rex? That would seem like the kind of constrictive system the station subscribes to.
REGINA REX
No. I’m not a slave to it.
BEXA ORESS
Then you’ll join me for some tea. It would be rude not to. You don’t want to offend us, do you?
SOUND: FEET SHUFFLING
REGINA REX
No, I don’t want to offend you.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Captain, we really should get back to the ship.
REGINA REX
We will Gilban, don’t be a shitty guest and keep your mouth shut.
BEXA ORESS
Yes, I think that would be for the best as well. Please, all of you join me here on the floor. You’ll find the cushions most comfortable.
SOUND: SITTING, CUSHION SOUNDS, TEA POURING, GLASSES BEING USED
REGINA REX
This tea is very good, thank you.
BEXA ORESS
Captain Rex, do you know why you’re here?
REGINA REX
Sure, because we found your distress signal and followed it to this location in case you needed help. Any ship captain from the station does this.
BEXA ORESS
From the station, yes. You seem to serve at the behest of the will of the station.
REGINA REX
It’s more just common sense. I offer you help if you need it and you do the same for me.
BEXA ORESS
It’s funny you say that. I was just about to offer my help to you. To save you in fact.
REGINA REX
Save me? Thanks but we’re fine.
BEXA ORESS
No. No Captain Rex you are not fine. You are a slave. A slave to a system and a society based on corruption.
SOUND: PEOPLE IN THE BACKGROUND GETTING WOUND UP
BEXA ORESS (CONT'D)
(getting louder, more fiery, sounds like giving a sermon)
A society based on lies. Lies the 5 continue to spread from their venomous maw!
SOUND: SOME CLAPPING AND MILD CHEERING, SHOUTS OF “PRAISE ZEEMU!”
REGINA REX
Look, I’m just the captain of a ship trying to earn some credits. I don’t really buy into this kind of thing.
BEXA ORESS
You’re saying that because you’re blind. Blind to the will of the 5 and their plans for the populace! You’re their puppet, only you can’t see the strings!
REGINA REX
I’m no-one’s puppet lady. I’ll ask respectfully that you not address me that way.
BEXA ORESS
The true reason you found us is that the beacon called you! The beacon has brought you to me!
REGINA REX
Ok. I’ve enjoyed the tea and the interesting conversation but I believe it’s time for us to head back to the ship.
BEXA ORESS
Oh no Captain Rex, I’m afraid that won’t do.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, WEAPONS BEING DRAWN
BEXA ORESS (CONT'D)
You can’t leave. We’re going to save you. We’re going to save all of you.
End of episode 7