Relationships Redux - S6 - E4

Previously on VOID, the mysteries deepened upon further investigation of the discovered bodies on the Europa base. Ursula has learned that the 5 have locked out communications with the station. And Maddox has resigned themself to the fact that they’re stranded on the Ching She for the unforeseeable future.

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VOID - SEASON 6, EPISODE 4

Written by Sean McKnight

With Jeni Miller

Relationships Redux

VOID PODCAST LLC

voidthepodcast@gmail.com

NARRATOR

Previously on VOID, the mysteries deepened upon further investigation of the discovered bodies on the Europa base. Ursula has learned that the 5 have locked out communications with the station.

And Maddox has resigned themself to the fact that they’re stranded on the Ching She for the unforeseeable future.

SOUND: KEYBOARD, COMPUTER PROCESSING

INT. EUROPA BASE - COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT

ANKO LUMEN

Ok! I’m in!

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS

TERRY MENDELSON

Oh wow, you’re a genius Anko.

ANKO LUMEN

I know. Let’s find the base logs.

SOUND: KEYBOARD, COMPUTER WORKING

ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)

Ahh, the base commander’s folder. They would’ve kept logs that are accessible to... And here they are.

SOUND: CLICKING, FILE OPENING

ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)

The last entries. “Europa Base Terra 6, Colonel Jericho Matthews, 4-10-86. 2100 (twenty one hundred) Hours. The subjects continue to mutate. We have them quarantined; so far we’re not seeing any other cases of mutation. The subjects seem to be fine overall. We’ve sent some of the samples to the station for analysis. There’s much interest in what’s happening here and what kind of potential the mutation has. Genetic manipulation and weaponization are among the possibilities.”

TERRY MENDELSON

They seriously want to weaponize a mutated bacteria?

ANKO LUMEN

And this surprises you? It goes on to say: “I’m departing with the latest samples to deliver personally. I’m leaving base operations to Captain Lynn Firestone. While our terraforming efforts here have been a failure, it turns out the secrets buried within the ice have bore exciting fruit nonetheless.”

TERRY MENDELSON

Do you think he’s talking about bacteria in the ice?

ANKO LUMEN

Yes, bacteria can survive ice. And with the radiation out here, who knows how the bacteria has evolved.

SOUND: KEYBOARD, CLICKING AROUND

ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)

It looks like there are a number of folders here with their terraforming records, these should help.

TERRY MENDELSON

Are there any logs from Captain what’s-her-face?

SOUND: KEYBOARD, FILES OPENING

ANKO LUMEN

Yes. Here’s Captain Firestone’s folder. “Europa Base Terra 6, Captain Lynn Firestone, 5-22-86. 1830 (eighteen hundred thirty) Hours. The majority of mutated subjects have died. There are 3 left alive and they don’t have long. They keep asking when we’re going to help them. I don’t know what to say. We aren’t prepared for any of this. We’re supposed to be working on terraforming, not bacteria mutations. And now, it looks like we may be abandoned here. We’ve sent out many messages but communications have gone dark.”

TERRY MENDELSON

Oh shit, they left them here?

ANKO LUMEN

It would appear that way. If they thought the base was contaminated that would make sense why no-one came to salvage it. It continues: “I’ve reached out to Colonel Matthews but the last message I received read that he was no longer available for communications. Every time I’ve reached out to the station since then I receive an out- of-office auto-reply and that’s it. I honestly have no idea what we’re going to do. Our supplies are at an end and we don’t have any working synthesizers. Time is running out.” That was the her last entry.

SOUND: TRANSITION, KEYBOARD, COMPUTER FUNCTIONS

INT. EUROPA BASE - MEDICAL BAY - NIGHT

URSULA NASH

(from across the room)

Any luck getting into their medical records?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yeah, I’m looking through everything now. Your suspicions were right. It looks like they found something in the ice. Take a look.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, COMPUTER CLICKING

JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)

Here, this picture. They dug down and it looks like this area is where they found whatever was trapped there.

URSULA NASH

So not knowing anything about the dangers of foreign bacteria, they brought it back here.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

And didn’t think to contain it.

URSULA NASH

The ice thaws, the bacteria is released and gets into what?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Water supply, food, the air, who knows?

URSULA NASH

And then the creation of mutated organs the body isn’t meant to support.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

But it didn’t effect all of them. I guess they didn’t all eat the same thing or I’m not sure. They didn’t catalog much I can find here with relation to this thing.

URSULA NASH

Or maybe they did and sent the records with the ones that did make it out.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

What do you think we should do?

URSULA NASH

Seal this area and I mean weld the hatches shut. We can’t risk a microbe getting out and infecting anyone. No-one goes near this area and we make sure we’ve found all bodies.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Is it going to be safe in the base?

URSULA NASH

No idea. We’ll have to let the air purifiers run for a while before we risk taking off helmets. One step at a time.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We should give Regina a status update.

We should.

PAUSE A BEAT

URSULA NASH

URSULA NASH (CONT'D)

I forgot how well we work together.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Me too. It’s funny how you take things like that for granted when they should be appreciated more.

URSULA NASH

I was thinking the same thing.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I‘ve been reflecting on how I took our relationship for granted. I really wish I hadn’t done that.

URSULA NASH

I did too. Do you think maybe we could revisit our relationship? Talk about it?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I would like that, very much.

SOUND: TRANSITION, KEYBOARD, GENERIC COMPUTER SOUNDS

INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT

PAT MENDELSON

So, Maddox, do you have a husband or wife back on your station?

MADDOX KANE

I have someone, yes. Each of us has a designated partner.

PAT MENDELSON

A designated partner?

MADDOX KANE

The way we establish our partners is by algorithm. We load our characteristics into our computers and work it out through our system. We have software that examines our traits and determines who we’re best suited for.

PAT MENDELSON

Sounds like one of those old dating apps from the past.

MADDOX KANE

Dating apps? Not this. The program we created is much more sophisticated beyond something as primitive as “dating”.

PAT MENDELSON

What about love?

MADDOX KANE

What about it?

PAT MENDELSON

Can the app determine if you’ll love someone?

MADDOX KANE

Why would I need to love my partner?

PAT MENDELSON

You’ll be spending a lot of time with this person, don’t you think love is important?

MADDOX KANE

The software does work compatibility into it but we’re not dependent on love as a requirement for us to be in each other’s company. In fact, we see love as a distraction.

PAT MENDELSON

Is there any passion?

MADDOX KANE

In the form of sex, yes. I enjoy sex. But we take the emotion out of it and leave it as device of relief and physical pleasure when needed. I am passionate about science.

PAT MENDELSON

I see. You sure do have an interesting life on your station. Don’t you miss her? Him?

MADDOX KANE

Them. Most of us identify as them. Gender of male or female is all so...limiting.

PAT MENDELSON

What about loyalty? Family? Who can you trust?

MADDOX KANE

We all work toward the same cause on the Nepenthe which is the betterment of our lives through scientific discovery. Therefore we are united in our cause and in effect, one family.

PAT MENDELSON

That’s really kind of beautiful.

MADDOX KANE

We think so. It works for our community.

PAT MENDELSON

Regina’s been in the restroom for awhile. Do you think she’s ok?

MADDOX KANE

I offered her assistance but was refused so I’m assuming she can take care of herself.

PAT MENDELSON

She’s a proud woman Maddox. I don’t think she’d ask for help even if she needed it.

SOUND: TRANSITION, SLIPPING, FALLING, THINGS CRASHING TO THE FLOOR

INT. CHING SHE REGINA’S QUARTERS - NIGHT

REGINA REX

(falling to the floor) Shit!! I hate this!!

SOUND: CRAWLING, STRUGGLING TO GET OFF THE FLOOR

REGINA REX (CONT'D)

This is NOT going to get the best of me!

SOUND: CRAWLING, LIFTING HERSELF UP, FALLING BACK DOWN ON THE FLOOR

REGINA REX (CONT'D)

No!! Dammit!

PAT MENDELSON

(over speaker)

Captain Rex? Everything ok back there?

REGINA REX

(exasperated)

I’m fine! What do you want?

PAT MENDELSON

We haven’t heard from you in awhile and I thought you’d be back by now...

REGINA REX

Are you keeping tabs on me?

PAT MENDELSON

Um, no.

REGINA REX

Then what business is it of yours?

PAT MENDELSON

I’m not trying to imply...

REGINA REX

(cutting her off)

You don’t need to imply anything. I can infer just fine on my own. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to finish what I’m doing here.

PAT MENDELSON

Ok. Whatever you...

REGINA REX

(cutting her off)

I’ll be back to the bridge when I’m ready. Rex out.

PAUSE A BEAT

SOUND: REGINA LIGHTLY SOBBING TO HERSELF, TRANSITION, WHEELCHAIR MOVING ACROSS THE ROOM, MOVING TO A CHAIR

PAT MENDELSON

Captain Rex, I’m sorry I interrupted you earlier...Are you ok? You’re sweating and you look pale...

REGINA REX

(cutting her off)

Like I said, I’m fine Pat. Please stop with the...

JONAS ALDRIDGE

(over comms, cutting off Regina)

Captain Rex? It’s Jonas reporting from the base.

REGINA REX

Hey Jonas, what’s the word?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We think what killed everyone was bacteria they found in the ice.

Ursula and I are combing the base for bodies. We’re going to seal up the room where we found them. Anko and Terry are working on the command center.

REGINA REX

What about contamination?

URSULA NASH

(over comms)

We’re going to purge all the air systems again and make sure the purifiers are working. Hopefully the air will be safe to breathe after we’ve filtered it for awhile.

REGINA REX

So you think it will be safe to work on the base?

URSULA NASH

I believe so. We should have clean air in a few hours.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

We can start bringing over equipment after that.

REGINA REX

Very good. Keep me posted. Rex out.

SOUND: KEYBOARD

REGINA REX (CONT'D)

Maddox I’m going to need you to help them move the equipment when they get back. You ok with that?

MADDOX KANE

I’ll help out any way I can captain. I’ll be happy to work on the warp drive too whenever...

REGINA REX

(cutting them off)

Later. We have a lot to do before we concern ourselves with that.

MADDOX KANE

I understand.

ANKO LUMEN

(over comms) Captain Rex?

REGINA REX

Hey Anko, we’re here.

ANKO LUMEN

We’ve found the base logs. We’re sending them over to you now.

SOUND: TRANSITION, KEYBOARD, DATA TRANSFERRING

INT. EUROPA BASE - COMMAND CENTER - NIGHT

ANKO LUMEN

I’ve started the upload. There’s a lot here, it’s going to take a while.

TERRY MENDELSON

If you don’t need me, I think I’ll head back to the Ching She for a bit.

ANKO LUMEN

Sure, no problem. You’ve been a huge help Terry. Great job restoring the power and getting the climate controls fixed.

TERRY MENDELSON

Oh, wow. Thanks Anko. That means a lot.

ANKO LUMEN

It’s true. You’ve been really important to the crew.

TERRY MENDELSON

I’m not used to hearing that. I’m used to, well, never mind. I’m just grateful to be appreciated.

ANKO LUMEN

At this point, you’ve become an important member of the crew.

TERRY MENDELSON

Thanks Anko. I...

SOUND: ALERT SOUND, FOOTSTEPS, KEYBOARD

ANKO LUMEN

Hey, look at this.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS

TERRY MENDELSON

That’s back in engineering.

ANKO LUMEN

It looks like there’s a hydrogen clog.

TERRY MENDELSON

I can fix that.

ANKO LUMEN

Are you sure? Hydrogen can be tricky.

TERRY MENDELSON

(has very little experience with hydrogen but is feeling confident from earlier conversation)

Don’t worry Anko, I got this. I’ll check it out on my way back to the ship.

ANKO LUMEN

Ok, sounds good.

TERRY MENDELSON

Thanks.

SOUND: TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS, HATCHES OPENING AND CLOSING AS FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE

INT. EUROPA BASE - CORRIDOR - NIGHT

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Anything?

URSULA NASH

No, not in this one. That was the mess hall.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Affirmative, it’s marked. This looks to be another storage room.

URSULA NASH

I think we’re getting into crew quarters. This is definitely someone’s cabin.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Got it, yep. This one too.

SOUND: FOOSTEPS, HATCHES CONT.

URSULA NASH

So, I guess we were flirting earlier.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I guess we were.

URSULA NASH

Were you ok with that?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yes, I daresay I even enjoyed it.

URSULA NASH

Me too. I’m glad. Me too.

JONAS ALDRIDGE URSULA NASH JONAS ALDRIDGE

Is this the start of something?

URSULA NASH

You tell me.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Do you want it to be?

PAUSE A BEAT

JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)

I, I want it to be if you do.

URSULA NASH

Yes, I want it to be too.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Well, we could sit down and talk. Maybe if we take it slow... Oh shit!

SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS STOP

URSULA NASH

What?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Please come over here.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS

JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)

I think this is the commanding officer.

URSULA NASH

It looks like she’s entwined with a another officer.

SOUND: MOVEMENT OF FABRIC

URSULA NASH (CONT'D)

I think they committed suicide. Here’s an empty pill bottle. And the way their bodies are positioned they decided to go out together.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

I guess better than starving to death.

URSULA NASH

Or cannibalism.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Right. Not really the scene over which I thought we’d rekindle our relationship.

URSULA NASH

We can start over somewhere else.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

That would probably be for the best.

URSULA NASH

It is romantic though, don’t you think?

What?

JONAS ALDRIDGE

URSULA NASH

Dying in each other’s arms. There’s a poetic beauty to it.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Yeah, there is. It’s just that they’re bloated.

URSULA NASH

Ok.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

And, a kiss would be weird and inappropriate right now.

URSULA NASH

Definitely.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

And with our helmets on anyway...

URSULA NASH

Ok, ok! Maybe not that romantic after all.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Well, perhaps. I was just pointing out...

URSULA NASH

Never mind, the moment is gone.

JONAS ALDRIDGE

Sorry, I’m kind of rusty on the romance side of things.

URSULA NASH

You sure are.

SOUND: TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS, HATCH

INT. EUROPA BASE - ENGINEERING DECK - NIGHT

TERRY MENDELSON

(walking)

I’m in engineering Anko. Making my way to the leak now.

ANKO LUMEN

(over comms)

It should be on your left as you enter the room. It looks like it be the lower duct.

TERRY MENDELSON

I see it.

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, OPENING UP PANELS

TERRY MENDELSON (CONT'D)

I think I know what’s causing the clog. Give me a second to work on this.

ANKO LUMEN

Affirmative.

SOUND: TERRY WORKING ON DUCT, PAUSE A BEAT

ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)

What were you saying earlier?

TERRY MENDELSON

(while working) About what?

ANKO LUMEN

About Pat.

TERRY MENDELSON

Ooooohh. That. Yeah. Pat has the hots for you.

ANKO LUMEN

What? What are you talking about?

TERRY MENDELSON

She wants to have sex with you.

ANKO LUMEN

Why are you telling me this?

TERRY MENDELSON

I just thought you should know.

ANKO LUMEN

And you’re ok with it?

TERRY MENDELSON

Sure, why wouldn’t I be?

ANKO LUMEN

She’s your partner!

TERRY MENDELSON

I know.

ANKO LUMEN

You’re not jealous?

TERRY MENDELSON

Hell no! We’re swingers.

ANKO LUMEN

Oh! I see. Well?

Well what?

TERRY MENDELSON ANKO LUMEN

TERRY MENDELSON

Do you want to have sex with my wife?

ANKO LUMEN

Terry, I mean, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.

TERRY MENDELSON

Why not? Is there something wrong with her?

ANKO LUMEN

No, nothing like that. In fact, I find her quite, fetching.

TERRY MENDELSON

What’s the problem then?

ANKO LUMEN

Don’t you think it could complicate things? Between me, you, her, everyone?

TERRY MENDELSON

I wouldn’t see why it would. What we do during our own time for pleasure is up to us. Right?

ANKO LUMEN

I suppose so. Yes.

TERRY MENDELSON

I certainly don’t have a problem with it or else I wouldn’t have brought it up.

ANKO LUMEN

I can see that.

TERRY MENDELSON

In fact. I have to admit I find you attractive myself.

ANKO LUMEN

You do?

TERRY MENDELSON

Yes I do. I...

SOUND: ALERT

ANKO LUMEN

Terry, I’m reading a hydrogen spike up here. You better get...

SOUND: EXPLOSION

ANKO LUMEN (CONT'D)

Terry?? Terry!!!

END OF EPISODE