VOID
VOID
The Visit Home - S6 - E14
During the most recent episode of VOID, the Ching She had run into serious problems with the warp drive on their journey. Luckily Regina and the crew managed to find a way to avert disaster and continue the journey back to Earth.
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VOID - SEASON 6, EPISODE 14
Written by Sean McKnight
With Jeni Miller
The Visit Home
VOID PODCAST LLC
NARRATOR
During the most recent episode of VOID, the Ching She had run into serious problems with the warp drive on their journey. Luckily Regina and the crew managed to find a way to avert disaster and continue the journey back to Earth.
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - LATE AFTERNOON
REGINA REX
Jonas, I’ve been waiting to talk to you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(walking in)
I know. I’m sorry, I’ve been procrastinating.
REGINA REX
I understand you’re nervous.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I am but they need to be warned.
REGINA REX
And if your friend intervenes?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’ll do what needs to be done. But I want a chance to save him first.
REGINA REX
Understood. It’s your call.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks Captain Rex, I appreciate your support.
REGINA REX
So what is your plan anyway?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
The away team and I, which will consist of me, Serebella, Terry and Anko will take the shuttle to the surface.
ANKO LUMEN
Who’s going to pilot if you’re up here?
REGINA REX
We’ll have the auto pilot ready to take you to the surface and back here automatically. I’ll remote pilot when needed.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Great. We set down on the surface, sneak in through the abandoned entrance and infiltrate from there. The goal is get the word out to the population about the comet and rescue Gerald if possible.
REGINA REX
What do you think happens after that?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I have no idea. All we can do is pass along what we know. Hopefully they can mobilize and start to come together to form an evacuation plan.
REGINA REX
They’re basically doomed if they can’t find a way to work together.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Pretty much. If they reach out to the different pockets of civilization, they might find a way out. Some of the other colonies were rumored to have ships they were already working on.
SEREBELLA REON
What kind of resistance can we expect?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
There’s a “security team” but they’re kind of a joke. They do have a good amount of people though, we’ll be outnumbered.
SEREBELLA REON
Then we’ll have to group up and watch all sides.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
The colony doesn’t have a lot of huge open areas. Most of it consists of tunnels.
SEREBELLA REON
Good, we can bottle neck them if necessary; we have firepower on our side.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That we do, they don’t have any ammunition for their guns.
SEREBELLA REON
Do they have body armor?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Not really, they were using old pieces of rubber and metal to try to put together make-shift protection.
SEREBELLA REON
We’ll tear through them like they were nothing.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok bad-ass but we have to be careful here. We don’t want to risk hurting the people here and if we do too much damage we risk the whole damn thing coming down on top of us.
SEREBELLA REON
That’s not good.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It certainly isn’t so let’s take it easy on the explosives.
SEREBELLA REON
We can rely on concussion, shock weapons and gas instead.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Gas could work well in the tighter spaces for sure.
SEREBELLA REON
I’ll prep the appropriate gear.
ANKO LUMEN
What are you going to want me to do?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We’ll need someone to hang back and guard the shuttle. If they become aware of us, they may send people looking.
ANKO LUMEN
I can handle that.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Serebella, Terry and I will be the infiltrators. We get in, look for Gerald, get word out to the population and get the hell out.
REGINA REX
Isn’t this council you told us about going to be resistant to the idea of evacuation?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Probably. I’m hoping the general population will take control and do what’s required.
REGINA REX
Meaning a revolt.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
There was already one started; we’re just giving them the inspiration needed to mobilize their cause and overthrow the council.
ANKO LUMEN
Don’t you think it will take a lot to motivate these people? You’re talking about a mass evacuation here.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
All we can do is supply them with the data. They can coordinate their efforts between the other colonies and hopefully the New Hope station.
REGINA REX
I’m guessing Ursula isn’t crazy about this mission.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
There’s no reason to risk her coming to the surface. It makes more sense for her to be here with you and Maddox. So yes, she’s a little pissed at me.
ANKO LUMEN
When do we head to Earth?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
In about 6 hours. That will put us on the surface and in the colony while most people will be asleep.
SEREBELLA REON
6 hours it is.
REGINA REX
Better go spend some time with Ursula.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s what I was intending to do next.
REGINA REX
Solid plan Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks. I hope so.
SOUND: TRANSITION, HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE MEDICAL OFFICE - EVENING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(walking in) Hey you.
Hey.
URSULA NASH
(walking around working)
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I just finished the briefing. We head out in 6 hours.
URSULA NASH
Oh.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re still pissed at me.
URSULA NASH
I am.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I thought you understood.
URSULA NASH
I understand that you’re leaving me here while you risk your life down there.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It makes sense. The more people we take with us, the greater the chance we get caught. And you’re not, well...
URSULA NASH
(finishing his sentence) Not a combat person so therefore unnecessary for this mission.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Something like that. I’m sorry.
URSULA NASH
I understand but I don’t have to like it.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(walking over to her to give her comfort)
Look, we’ll be in and out of there before you know it. Serebella will have us armed to the teeth and once we deliver our message and check on Gerald, we’re gone and here on the ship a flash.
URSULA NASH
Ok but you have to promise me you’ll be careful and get your ass back here as soon as you can. No visiting old girlfriends.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I promise.
Good.
URSULA NASH
SOUND: KISSING, ZIPPER UNZIPPING
URSULA NASH (CONT'D)
Why Dr. Aldridge, I do believe you’ve unzipped me!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I do believe I have.
SOUND: EMBRACING, KISSING, TRANSITION, SHUTTLE ENGINES WINDING DOWN, RADIATION SUITS BEING PUT ON
INT. SPACE SHUTTLE - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(wearing helmet)
Make sure your radiation suit is sealed. The levels are pretty bad even at night like this.
TERRY MENDELSON
(wearing helmet)
How far do we have to walk?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
We landed less than half a kilometer away so not too far.
TERRY MENDELSON
We’re not wearing these things constantly are we?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, we’ll drop them off when we get into the tunnels at the entrance.
SEREBELLA REON
(putting helmet on)
Good. We have some serious weapons here, that would’ve been cumbersome. What about guards?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
There shouldn’t be any at first. The entrance we’re going into was long abandoned. They don’t have the sentries to cover every point of entry.
SEREBELLA REON
Glad to hear that. I don’t like hurting innocent people.
TERRY MENDELSON
Innocent?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yeah, the council often drafts people from the populace to fill in positions for them. These people are just doing what they’re told and trying to survive.
SOUND: WEAPONS
SEREBELLA REON
Which is why our weapons will be sonic and shock based. Knock the wind of them and then give them a shock to incapacitate. I’ll handle the concussion grenades. Make sure your body armor is cinched up too.
SOUND: FURTHER EQUIPMENT ADJUSTMENTS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Anko, stay by comms at all times. We may run into some issues and have to get out of here quickly.
ANKO LUMEN
Will do. I’ll be in contact with Captain Rex the whole time.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks.
REGINA REX
(over comms)
Was my landing smooth?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, KEYPAD
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Very. Thanks for the expert piloting as always.
REGINA REX
Even on remote I’m crushing it.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Anko will keep you in the loop and let you know when we’ll need to launch back.
REGINA REX
Roger that. Jonas, be careful. Good luck.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks Regina. Jonas out.
SOUND: KEYPAD
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Ok everyone, let’s do this.
SOUND: TRANSITION, HATCH CLOSING, FOOTSTEPS
INT. COLONY TUNNEL - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(wearing helmet)
Ok, let’s take off our suits and stash them over here.
SOUND: RADIATION SUITS BEING TAKEN OFF AND STORED
SEREBELLA REON
Everyone check your weapons, safeties off. No-one fires unless I say so.
SOUND: WEAPONS CHECK
SEREBELLA REON (CONT'D)
Jonas, you’re on point. Terry next, I’ll bring up the rear.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Follow me, no talking. The first sentry point isn’t very far.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, FOOTSTEPS SLOWING DOWN
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
(whispers) Wait! Up ahead.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS MOVING SLOWLY, STOP
PAUSE A BEAT
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
(attacking)
Don’t move!! Wait, Bob?
BOB
Oh my...! Jonas?! Is that you?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s me. Good to see you man!
SOUND: HUGGING
BOB
You too! I thought you were dead!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m sure that’s what the council wanted you to believe.
BOB
Believing what they say is part of the job.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yeah, hey, you’re in uniform.
BOB
They drafted me. It sucks. They drafted a bunch of us. The attacks have gotten worse.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Attacks?
BOB
The revolt. Things have gotten worse since you’ve been gone. Ever since the council ordered the use of live rounds, the place went crazy.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Live rounds? The colony ran out of ammunition a long time ago.
BOB
Not since Colonel Daniels taught us how to make bullets.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
ColonelDaniels? Dr. Gerald Daniels is now Colonel Daniels?
BOB
I’m sorry to tell you this Jonas, but Gerald went over to the dark side. He’s one of them now.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
One of the most brilliant scientific minds on the planet is now a stooge for the colony?
BOB
Basically. He’s Lord Chancellor Harris’ right hand.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
“Lord Chancellor”? Are you serious?
BOB
I’m afraid so.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That prick.
BOB
Wait, Jonas, why are you here?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I came to find Gerald and warn all of you.
Warn us?
BOB
JONAS ALDRIDGE
The short version is there’s a comet heading for Earth. It will be here in about 4 years and it will destroy the station and the planet. We found a new home on Europa but Earth and the station have to cooperate starting now to work together and move to a new home.
BOB
There’s a lot to unpack there.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I understand. But I want you to go and start spreading the word to the rest of the colony. People have to know. The council means nothing now.
BOB
People are going to freak out.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Then deliver the message to those you trust most to not start a panic.
BOB
How do I convince them that what you’re saying is true? They may not believe I’ve even seen you!
SEREBELLA REON
Here, take this.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
BOB
What is it?
SEREBELLA REON
A laser cutter.
SOUND: LASER TURNING ON, CUTTING THROUGH ROCK BOB
Oh shit.
SEREBELLA REON
Have you seen anything like this?
BOB
No.
SEREBELLA REON
Does the colony have a tool like this?
No.
BOB
SEREBELLA REON
There. Keep it, I have another one.
BOB
Ok.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And take my spare communicator. We’ll need it to reach out to you when all this is over. You can just call me on that and they can hear me for themselves. Is that enough?
BOB
Probably. But Jonas, what the hell are we supposed to do?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Contact everyone you can. Start with the colony. Then, reach out to the cavers and the other colonies. Unite them. We’re heading to the station when we’re done here. We’re going to tell them the same thing and coordinate from there. If the station and Earth can pull together, we can survive.
BOB
Alright then. I guess my guard shift is over.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I guess it is. Where can I find
ColonelDaniels?
BOB
It’s late so he’ll be at home. Level 3, corridor C.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Level 3? That’s nearly penthouse level. He really has moved up.
BOB
Be careful, there are a couple of guards on that level.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks, we will.
BOB
Good luck Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You too Bob.
SOUND: TRANSITION, FOOTSTEPS
INT. COLONY TUNNEL - LEVEL 3, CORRIDOR C - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(whispering)
I can’t believe I still remember all the shortcuts through this place. It looks like we have 2 guards up ahead.
SEREBELLA REON
Do you recognize them?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No. Look, let’s try not to hurt these guys if we can, ok? They’re just doing their job.
SEREBELLA REON
Ok. Here’s the plan. Jonas, you’re the bait. I want you to lure them to here. Terry and I will set our pulse guns to incapacitate. Ready Terry?
SOUND: GUN SETTING BEING ADJUSTED
TERRY MENDELSON
(adjusting gun) I’m ready.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Alright. Get into cover. Here I go.
SOUND: SHUFFLING INTO HIDING, FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING CAREFULLY
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
Uh, hey fellas. Does that prick Lord Moron Harris live on this level?
GUARD #1
What the hell?
SOUND: RUNNING
GUARD #1 (CONT'D)
Get after him!
SOUND: MULTIPLE PEOPLE RUNNING, BEING TRIPPED, PULSE GUNS FIRING, BODIES HITTING THE GROUND
SEREBELLA REON
They’re not super bright here in the colony are they?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No they are not. Let’s hide these guys over here.
SOUND: BODIES DRAGGING, BEING PLACED CAREFULLY
TERRY MENDELSON
I recognize these weapons! Holy crap these things are old.
SEREBELLA REON
Do you know how to unload them?
SOUND: GUN CHAMBER OPENING, BULLETS FALLING ON THE GROUND TERRY MENDELSON
I sure do. I’m keeping this for my collection.
SOUND: GUN BEING PUT AWAY, FOOTSTEPS
TERRY MENDELSON (CONT'D)
How are we going to know where your friend lives?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS GRADUALLY STOPPING
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh I think we’ll know.
SEREBELLA REON
Damn, your buddy has some clout. Look at that sign, his name carved into the stone.
TERRY MENDELSON
Does anyone else live here? Looks like the guy has the whole level to himself.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I don’t know. I’ve never been on this level before. One way to find out.
SOUND: KNOCKING PAUSE A BEAT SOUND: KNOCKING PAUSE A BEAT
SOUND: DOOR OPENING, WHEEL CHAIR MOVING CLOSER
GERALD DANIELS
Who the hell is...? J, J, Jonas??
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s me.
GERALD DANIELS
I didn’t think you were ever coming back.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I wasn’t sure either. Can we come in?
GERALD DANIELS
Yes, of course.
SOUND: WHEEL CHAIR, FOOTSTEPS, DOOR CLOSING
INT. COLONY - GERALD DANIEL’S QUARTERS - NIGHT
GERALD DANIELS
I’m sorry I wasn’t prepared for visitors so late. Can I offer you something to drink, water perhaps?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Water? Where’s the moonshine?
GERALD DANIELS
From the still? That was destroyed a while ago Jonas. No more drinking for me. I’m dedicated to my work now.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Oh? I’ve heard a little about that. Making bullets for the colony Gerald?
GERALD DANIELS
It was necessary. For the good of the colony. Our security is stronger now.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Do you hear yourself? You’re making the bullets they’re using on the citizens Gerald! You never would have done that!
GERALD DANIELS
Things change. Circumstances change.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sure, but to join up with them? The council? Against the people? What happened to the revolt?
GERALD DANIELS
(falling apart as this goes on)
A bunch of disorganized fools. They never had any traction. And just when the revolt stuck a blow and tried to save me... I was broken.
They broke me Jonas. And I gave in. I was exhausted, nearly dead, but they kept me alive, barely. And I just gave in. And then I helped the council crush the revolt.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m sorry Gerald. I’m so sorry.
GERALD DANIELS
Where were you anyway? Running around in space while we continued to suffer here!
SEREBELLA REON
(sarcastic)
Oh yeah, it looks like you’re really suffering. Look at this furniture!
GERALD DANIELS
Hey I don’t even know you lady, alright? You have no right to judge me. And neither do you Jonas.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re right. I’m sorry. None of this matters anyway. I’m here to rescue you and take you with us to the station. We need to coordinate an evacuation plan for Earth.
GERALD DANIELS
Jonas, did you find...?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(interrupting him) Yes, a new home. Europa.
GERALD DANIELS
(having a realization for a brief moment)
Europa! I knew it! I can’t believe this is happening. Wait, where’s Nova?
PAUSE A BEAT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(reluctant) She’s gone Gerald.
GERALD DANIELS
(upset)
How?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It’s a long story, we don’t have time right now.
GERALD DANIELS
(starting to move in his wheel chair)
Gone? She’s gone? I’ve missed her and you. How many years now? It’s been awhile Jonas. My thinking has been clouded, programmed, for so long. What do I do?
SOUND: WHEEL CHAIR
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What do you mean? You come with us and we figure out an exodus for everyone.
GERALD DANIELS
(starting to settle back into his “programming”)
But wait, no. My place is here Jonas, serving the colony. I serve the colony, always the colony. I need to be here serving the council and the colony.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Gerald, you don’t understand. The part I left out is that there’s a comet heading this way. It will be here in 4 years and will destroy everything.
PAUSE A BEAT
No.
No?
GERALD DANIELS JONAS ALDRIDGE
GERALD DANIELS
No! I don’t believe there is a comet. I think you’re lying to get me to go with you.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Why would I do that Gerald? I’m here to help you, you’re my best friend.
GERALD DANIELS
No! I serve the council. You’re here to try to take me away from them!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m here to rescue you.
GERALD DANIELS
Guards!! Guards!!
SOUND: WHEEL CHAIR MOVING, CABINET OPENING
TERRY MENDELSON
He’s got a gun!
SOUND: GUNFIRE, PULSE GUN BEING USED, CONCUSSION, WHEEL CHAIR HITTING THE WALL, BODY HITTING THE GROUND
GERALD DANIELS
Uhhh! SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sorry about that old friend. Terry, help me put him back in his chair.
SOUND: SHUFFLING, BODY MOVING AND BEING SET IN CHAIR
JONAS ALDRIDGE (CONT'D)
We’ll have to take him with us like this.
TERRY MENDELSON
Are you sure?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I am. I know this man very well Terry and that shell of a person is not him. We can get him deprogrammed back on the station.
SEREBELLA REON
What about getting word out to the rest of the colony about the comet? I don’t think “Bob” is going to cover it all.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You’re right. We need to let people know and give them a fighting chance to evacuate.
TERRY MENDELSON
How are we going to do that?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
By taking down the council.
END OF EPISODE