VOID - SEASON 4, EPISODE 12
Written by
Sean McKnight With Jeni Miller
Season 4 Finale - Foregone Conclusions and Unexpected Results
VOID PODCAST LLC
NARRATOR
Season 4, episode 12. During the last episode of VOID, the contract controversy surrounding Anko was resolved as the captains decided to make the best of it and work with him for now. Later, the crew found themselves making history being the first to set foot on a new world.
SOUND: KEYPAD, VARIOUS MACHINES RUNNING
EXT. TITAN SURFACE - DAY
ANKO LUMEN
(over speaker, sounds embarrassed, frustrated)
Astrid, record Titan surface log. Day, uh, 32. Although technically, since each day here is 16 days long, this is really day 2.
ASTRID
(over speaker)
Recording Titan surface log in 3, 2, 1.
ANKO LUMEN
Current temperature is -170.2 degrees celsius. As usual visibility is still hazy and there is a light wind blowing north at .6 meters per second. Current nitrogen levels are at 94.1, methane is 5.9. I must note that my attempt to heat the surface with the orbital mirror array only resulted in water vapor being released along with an unfortunate volume of ammonia as well. My efforts to convert the ammonia to the nitrogen-oxygen hybrid failed. I even attempted to use the Clostridium bacteria as a means of conversion but that failed as well. I guess that’s it for now. Astrid, end Titan surface log.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PEOPLE SHUFFLING
INT. HABITAT - TITAN SURFACE - DAY
SEREBELLA REON
I’m glad I don’t have to stand outside with him anymore, that was driving me nuts.
REGINA REX
Sorry about that Serebella, it was a necessary precaution. He seems too wrapped up in his work now to be a threat.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We’ve been here over 30 days, I think if he was going to make another move, we would’ve seen it.
URSULA NASH
All he seems to care about is proving his machines work. How is that going Jonas?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t know for sure because he won’t share any data with me. But I can tell he’s been getting angrier and more frustrated. I don’t think he’s getting anywhere.
REGINA REX
He’s past his contract deadline Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I know we agreed on 30 days at the most but I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.
URSULA NASH
He said 5 days at the most originally!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I know. I just feel kind of bad for him since he’s worked so hard on his equipment and now he’s just not seeing the results he hoped for.
REGINA REX
That’s nice of you Jonas but we can’t just keep sitting here.
Gideon and Gilban have been on the Ching She nearly this whole time too. We have to talk to him about a time limit. How much longer are you willing to give him?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Scientists need time to experiment and analyze results. He’s essentially trying to find out if mankind can live here. That’s the whole reason I’m out here too. If he can nail that down, it will change humanity. I’d like to give him at least another 90 days.
SEREBELLA REON
3 more months? Are you serious?
REGINA REX
That seems excessive Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Maybe if the crew got off the surface a bit more and got back to some of the comforts of the ship the time would go smoother. He’s doing something really important here.
URSULA NASH
But don’t you think that he should’ve seen some results by now? I don’t know that so much extra time is going to make a difference. If we could get him to be more specific and share his findings that could lead to a more informed decision as to his timetable.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re right. But he won’t share any of his data with me, I’ve tried.
REGINA REX
I’ll speak to him; I can be very persuasive when I need to be.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS, TINKERING SOUNDS, LOW HUM
INT. THE CHING SHE - ENGINEERING OFFICE - AFTERNOON
GILBAN TRICKEY
Oh, hello Gideon.
GIDEON JUDGE
Good day Gilban. Did you finish cleaning the port engine exhaust yet? That was one of the items on Captain Rex’s checklist.
GILBAN TRICKEY
I’m well aware of the checklist. And no, I’ll get to it later.
GIDEON JUDGE
Uh, according to the maintenance logs, you haven’t made an entry in...
GILBAN TRICKEY
(interrupting)
Why are you really here Gideon?
GIDEON JUDGE
(agitated)
Captain Rex asked me to check in on you, because of that.
GILBAN TRICKEY
This? The artifact? We talked about it and everything’s fine.
GIDEON JUDGE
Is it? You need to get your act together Gilban and do the work you’ve been assigned.
GILBAN TRICKEY
What’s the big rush? We’ve been stuck here for weeks with nothing to do but wait for Anko to be done with his contract anyway!
GIDEON JUDGE
I know, trust me it’s been a concern of mine for quite some time! His delays are becoming unacceptable.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Well, there isn’t a damn thing we can do about it, is there? What are you so bent out of shape about?
GIDEON JUDGE
I have my interests to consider here too Gilban.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Yeah, your contract with Regina, what does that entail anyway?
GIDEON JUDGE
That’s none of your concern for now. I suggest you put your focus on your own duties where it belongs.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, TRANSITION SOUND, AIR LOCK, FOOTSTEPS
INT. HABITAT - TITAN SURFACE - AFTERNOON
ANKO LUMEN
Ok, so what was so important you had to pull me away from my work? What the hell? This looks like an intervention.
REGINA REX
It is of sorts, have a seat.
ANKO LUMEN
I’ll stand.
REGINA REX
Suit yourself. We need to discuss how long we’re going to be here.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
There’s a concern about the length of time it’s taking to fulfill your contract.
ANKO LUMEN
I knew you were going to start pressuring me about this!
REGINA REX
Don’t give Jonas shit Anko. He proposed a more than generous amount of time for you to finish your work. I want to know if his recommendation is justified. Where are you with your results?
ANKO LUMEN
My data is still being formulated.
URSULA NASH
Cut the crap Anko, you know damn well you’ve been getting data already. It’s time you shared that information.
ANKO LUMEN
(reluctantly)
Very well. Even though my findings thus far are inconclusive, they’re showing what could be potentially positive results.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Potentially?
ANKO LUMEN
Yes, there is tremendous potential for my work here.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
But shouldn’t you be past the potential stage by now?
ANKO LUMEN
See? This is what happens when a slow-witted dullard is put in charge of contracts! You just can’t see the big picture.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Call me all the names you want Anko, but you know as well as I do how these types of experiments work. If you’re not seeing anykind of concrete results at this point, they’re probably won’t be any.
ANKO LUMEN
(angry)
You just don’t understand what I’m doing!
URSULA NASH
(getting heated)
Don’t try to talk above us Anko. You’re covering up!
ANKO LUMEN
I don’t have to take criticism from a mere medical lackey!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(stepping forward)
Call her a lackey again! I dare you...
REGINA REX
Alright, everyone settle down.
ANKO LUMEN
Well, I’m not going to stand here and...
REGINA REX
(cutting him off)
Shut up Anko. Here’s the deal. Captain Aldridge suggested giving you 90 days to finish your work. After this discussion, you get 30. That’s it. We’re done with your nonsense. Get some results or we’re gone in a month, got it?
ANKO LUMEN
(frustrated)
Yeah, I got it. I’d like to get back to work now if this little inquisition is over. Captain Aldridge, I’ll require your assistance if you don’t mind.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I do mind actually but I’ll help you anyway. I warn you, if you say another word insulting Ursula, you’ll be working by yourself for the remainder of your contract with some missing teeth.
ANKO LUMEN
How chivalrous of you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Keep it up and you’ll find out just how chivalrous I can be.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, MACHINERY BEING ADJUSTED, LOW HUM
INT. THE CHING SHE - ENGINEERING OFFICE - LATE AFTERNOON
GILBAN TRICKEY
Astrid, record Martian artifact log
62. Usual security protocols.
ASTRID
Affirmative, recording secure Martian artifact log in 3, 2, 1...
GILBAN TRICKEY
Ok, log 62. Still unable to identify molecular structure of the artifact. Suspect this is a new element altogether; still trying to collect the evidence to verify.
Have been unable to extract one sliver of the piece to do proper chemical tests. My concern is that if I test on the artifact directly I risk damaging it. However, given how difficult it’s been to extract a sample, I’m not sure I could damage it anyway. On a side note, the headaches have been getting worse and I’m still not sleeping. My sense of touch seems to be getting numb too. Considering seeing Dr. Nash but for now I’ll wait. I can live with the symptoms for the time being as long as they don’t interfere with my research on the piece. The humming is really starting to get to me I have to admit. As for the visions, they’re becoming more violent and...
GIDEON JUDGE
(over speaker) Hey Gilban.
GILBAN TRICKEY
(startled)
Shit! Astrid pause log recording.
ASTRID
Pausing artifact log.
SOUND: KEYPAD
GILBAN TRICKEY
(impatient)
What the hell do you want Gideon? I’m busy!
GIDEON JUDGE
I’m working on re-organizing the shelving in the cargo bay. I need your help moving some things around.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Can’t this wait?
GIDEON JUDGE
Now please. I need to make room in case they bring back more equipment.
GILBAN TRICKEY
Fine! I’ll be there shortly.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, KEYPAD, MACHINERY WINDING UP AND THEN FAILING
EXT. TITAN SURFACE - LATE AFTERNOON
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker) You told me 33.1!
ANKO LUMEN
(over speaker) I meant 35!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Then say 35 dammit! I’m not psychic, we’ve been over this!
SEREBELLA REON
(over speaker, frustrated as she’s seen this many times by now)
Here we go again.
ANKO LUMEN
As my number 2, you’re supposed to be the one verifying before inputting!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We tried that, remember? Every time I made an adjustment or suggested one, you freak out and demand I follow your instructions without question!
ANKO LUMEN
That’s when I’m right not when I’m wrong!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How the hell am I supposed to know the difference?
ANKO LUMEN
Because that’s your job you moron!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Moron? I’m not the one who’s failing out here! This is all on you Anko. You wanted all the glory by not sharing anything with me procedurally and now here you have it! You get to be responsible for your own mistakes Anko, you don’t get to pin them on me.
ANKO LUMEN
How dare you, you insignificant, neanderthal...
SEREBELLA REON
(cutting him off)
Enough! You two have got to figure this out! If you can’t learn to work together this will fail and all the efforts you’re making will be for nothing.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Maybe I should head back to the shuttle and send Gilban down here.
ANKO LUMEN
That might be for the best, he’s at least competent enough not to botch inputting numbers.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You son of a bitch!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SHUFFLING, SHOCK STICK POWERING UP
SEREBELLA REON
The next person to make a move gets the stick!
SOUND: SHUFFLING SETTLES DOWN
SEREBELLA REON (CONT'D)
Any takers? No? Good! Now get back to work, both of you!
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, CARGO BEING MOVED, FOOTSTEPS
INT. THE CHING SHE - CARGO HOLD - EVENING
GIDEON JUDGE
Yes, bay 6 Gilban, thank you.
GILBAN TRICKEY
(operating lift)
Great. Is this it then? Are we done?
GIDEON JUDGE
(from above)
Just one more thing. Can you come over here to the shelves please?
GILBAN TRICKEY
Yeah, give me a second to park this.
SOUND: LIFT LOWERING MOVING AND PARKING, FOOTSTEPS
GIDEON JUDGE
Ok, get to the base of the shelves here at the bottom. I have to tilt this slightly but there’s a lot of weight up here.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS THEN STOPPING (*ON METAL)
GIDEON JUDGE (CONT'D)
Now brace it at the bottom there to your right. You’ll need to lean into it.
SOUND: PUSHING AGAINST METAL
GILBAN TRICKEY
(while bracing into structure)
Unh! I’ve got it, I’m in.
GIDEON JUDGE
Good. Now steady as I...
SOUND: METAL BRACING, THINGS SLIDING OFF OF SHELVES, SHELVES CRASHING DOWN ON TOP OF GILBAN
GILBAN TRICKEY AAAAHHHHH!!!
SOUND: DEBRIS SETTLING, METAL CREAKING
GIDEON JUDGE
Gilban? Gilban? Can you hear me?
SOUND: CLIMBING DOWN, FOOTSTEPS, VARIOUS OBJECTS BEING LIFTED AND MOVED, LIGHT SLAPPING SOUND
GIDEON JUDGE (CONT'D)
Gilban? Wake up! Gilban!
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, KEYPAD, COMPUTER WORK BEING DONE IN THE BACKGROUND
INT. HABITAT - TITAN SURFACE - EVENING
GIDEON JUDGE
(over speaker)
Captain Rex? Are you there?
SOUND: KEYPAD
REGINA REX
I’m here Gideon, what’s up?
GIDEON JUDGE
Can you please bring Dr. Nash back to the ship immediately? There’s been an accident.
SOUND: COMPUTER WORK STOPS, FOOTSTEPS
URSULA NASH
What kind of accident Gideon?
GIDEON JUDGE
Gilban was working with me in the cargo bay and some shelving came down on top of him.
URSULA NASH
Is he conscious?
GIDEON JUDGE
No. I didn’t move him by the way, he’s still in cargo. He’s breathing and his pulse seems normal but that’s all I know.
URSULA NASH
You did the right thing. Make sure he’s stabilized, I don’t want his head to shift if he has a neck injury.
REGINA REX
We’ll be there shortly Gideon. I just need to tell everyone outside.
GIDEON JUDGE
Roger, thanks.
REGINA REX
Ursula, we need to get to the shuttle.
URSULA NASH
Yes captain.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, EQUIPMENT BEING PUT AWAY, KEYPAD REGINA REX
Hey surface dwellers. Ursula and I need to head up to the Ching She. Gilban was in an accident.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker) Is he ok?
REGINA REX
He’s alive but we don’t know how bad his injuries are yet. Ursula needs to check him out. Does anyone else need to head back to the ship?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Uh. No I guess not, not now anyway. Can you please give us a call when you know his condition?
REGINA REX
Will do, Rex out.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, SHIP ENGINES, KEYPAD
INT. SHUTTLE - EVENING
URSULA NASH
(to Regina Rex)
He’s still not answering. Gideon, can you please get on comms and give me an update on Gilban? Hello? Gideon?
REGINA REX
He should be on the bridge by...
GIDEON JUDGE
(over speaker, stutters while talking)
Sorry about that! I just had to finish, finish checking on Gilban.
REGINA REX
Are you alright? You sound winded.
GIDEON JUDGE
Just running to answer your comm alert, sorry.
URSULA NASH
How’s Gilban doing?
GIDEON JUDGE
Still unconscious but breathing is normal and I made sure his head won’t move.
URSULA NASH
After we dock, meet me in the cargo bay with a gurney and my kit.
GIDEON JUDGE
Will do Dr. Nash.
REGINA REX
Ok Gideon, we’re coming in. Open shuttle bay doors.
SOUND: ENGINES SLOWING DOWN, LARGE METAL BAY DOORS OPENING, LANDING GEAR EXTENDING, SHIP LANDING, LARGE METAL BAY DOORS CLOSING, ENGINES WINDING DOWN, DECOMPRESSION, BELTS UNBUCKLING, SHUFFLING, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH OPENING, FOOTSTEPS
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
I’m going to head to the bridge, I’ll meet you in the cargo bay.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS STOP, KEYPAD, TRANSITION SOUND, KEYPAD, VARIOUS BUTTONS BEING PRESSED, MAIN SHIP ENGINES COMING ONLINE AND STARTING TO WARM UP, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS MOVING SLOWLY AND SPORATICALLY
INT. THE CHING SHE - BRIDGE - NIGHT
GILBAN TRICKEY
(with head injury pain) You son of a bitch!
GIDEON JUDGE
Gilban! What are you doing here?
SOUND: ACTIVITY STOPS, FOOTSTEPS, SHOCK STICK POWERING UP
GIDEON JUDGE (CONT'D)
You should’ve stayed in the bay until Dr. Nash checked you out! You’re in no shape to be walking, you might have a neck injury!
GIDEON JUDGE (CONT'D)
I know what you did! I saw you bring that shelf down on me!
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
Hey Gideon! There’s something wrong with the shuttle bay hatch. Please override and open it from your end.
SOUND: KEYPAD
GIDEON JUDGE
I’m sorry Captain Rex, I’m afraid I can’t do that.
SOUND: CAUTIOUS FOOTSTEPS
REGINA REX
What the hell are you talking about? Open the shuttle bay hatch now, that’s an order!
GIDEON JUDGE
No can do Captain Rex.
SOUND: BUTTONS PRESSED, ENGINES GETTING LOUDER
REGINA REX
Why are the engines firing Gideon!? What do you think you’re doing??
GIDEON JUDGE
I told you that we should’ve just cancelled the other 2 contracts but you wouldn’t listen! Even when I brought us here! I thought for sure you and Jonas would’ve just left Anko in confinement and we would be done with it! It doesn’t matter anymore. Our contract is the priority now!
GILBAN TRICKEY
You’re off your nut!
GIDEON JUDGE
I’m not the one obsessing over a possessed rock!
REGINA REX
You’re going to pay for this Gideon, no-one, not even you gets away with sabotaging my ship!
GIDEON JUDGE
Oh, I think you’ll come around in due time. When our contract is fulfilled, you’ll see. Until then, just accept fate.
SOUND: KEYPAD, ENGINES LAUNCHING SHIP FORWARD
URSULA NASH
We can’t leave them behind!!
GILBAN TRICKEY
You bastard!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, STRUGGLING, FIGHTING, SHOCK STICK BEING USED, GILBAN GETTING HIT IN THE GUT AND BEING KNOCKED TO THE FLOOR, STRUGGLING AS HE’S FALLING
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
(catching his breath) Unnh!! Dammit! Hey, wait... You,
your arm. Those wires. You’re not human!
SOUND: GIDEON HITTING GILBAN WITH SHOCK STICK AND KNOCKING HIM OUT COLD
GILBAN TRICKEY (CONT'D)
Unngggggghhh!!
SOUND: BODY HITTING THE FLOOR
GIDEON JUDGE
No, I’m not.
End of season 4 finale