VOID
VOID
Uranium and The Virus - S1 - E4
Previously, Dr. Daniels has moved in with Jonas as he recovers from the injuries suffered from the cave in. Daniels urged Jonas to reach out to the leader of the revolt to share some sensitive information not shared with the council. Jonas met with the council only to find their agenda has become even more self-serving. Upon leaving the meeting, Jonas was abducted by the revolt and is being confronted by the revolt leader Alton Fysk.
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NARRATOR:
VOID PODCAST EPISODE 4
Episode 4: UNDERGROUND COLONY
Previously, Dr. Daniels has moved in with Jonas as he recovers from the injuries suffered from the cave in. Daniels urged Jonas to reach out to the leader of the revolt to share some sensitive information not shared with the council. Jonas met with the council only to find their agenda has become even more self-serving. Upon leaving the meeting, Jonas was abducted by the revolt and is being confronted by the revolt leader Alton Fysk.
REVOLT HEADQUARTERS
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I demand to know why you had me abducted! Gerald Daniels was supposed to get in touch with you to set up a meeting.
ALTON FYSK
He did, that’s how you ended up here.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Why did your men threaten me at knife point?
ALTON FYSK
We needed to bring you in on our terms, we can’t have the council knowing our secret hiding spot, can we? We needed to grab you so we could see just how hot you are and we weren’t sure you’d cooperate.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How hot I am? Are you referring to my looks?
ALTON FYSK
No, I’m referring to how many people the council had following you. I thought you were supposed to be a smart fella.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Excuse me for not being up on your inside baseball terms. I have bigger words to focus on. Just how "hot" am I?
ALTON FYSK
We only had to shake 2 of them and they weren’t terribly difficult. So not too hot just yet, but as I get to know more about you, I can tell you’re going to be a magnet for trouble.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Is that why I’m here? So you can size me up?
ALTON FYSK
Partially, yes. I wanted to see who you are and how you reacted under pressure. We can’t have people with weak spines involved in the revolt.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Let’s be clear. I’m not here to become a card-carrying revolt member. I’m sympathetic to the cause, and I have taken some risk in the past to help where I can. But, I’m only here because Gerald is currently indisposed and doesn’t trust sending it over the network, that’s it. I have no intention of wearing your t-shirts or attending your group sessions.
ALTON FYSK
That’s a shame, we just had new t-shirts printed and some breakthroughs in group, you have no idea what you’re missing.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Look, I just want to deliver Gerald’s report and move on.
(LONG PAUSE)
ALTON FYSK
Ok, Dr. Aldridge. What does Dr. Daniels have for us?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I just passed along certain details in Gerald’s latest findings to the council. However, I left out some key information that he wanted only you to have. I believe he sent you the same report the council received through an encrypted message.
ALTON FYSK
He did, I read about the cracks.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s not the real concern. The part we left out was that Gerald fears the virus may be back.
(LONG PAUSE AS THIS IS CONTEMPLATED) JONAS ALDRIDGE
Gerald was in touch with a colleague in the lower tiers
who conveyed concerns that she had witnessed people with the virus around the 250 level. She said that there were horrible acts of violence being committed and that it was spreading.
ALTON FYSK
We heard something similar as well.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
He didn’t want the council to know because of the way they handled the virus last time such a rumor arose, which of course turned out to be false.
ALTON FYSK
Yes, I remember, my cousins were among the people they killed with their cave-in cover up.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Unfortunately, he lost touch with our colleague and hasn’t heard anything since.
ALTON FYSK
Was your colleague’s name Oliska Cercov?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yes! How did you know...
ALTON FYSK
We received this message a few days ago.
SOUND: COMPUTER KEYS BEING PRESSED
VOICE: (HUMAN VOICE) BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE REVOLT, THIS IS DR. OLISKA CERCOV. THE VIRUS HAS RETURNED! WE HAVE TO MAKE PLANS TO SEAL OFF EVERYTHING BELOW TIER 350 AND SET UP STEPS FOR EVACUATION. THE COUNCIL HAS CEASED ALL COMMUNCATIONS BELOW 250 AND CUT OFF ACCESS TO THE NETWORK FEED. IF WE DON’T EVACUATE, WE’LL BE...
ALTON FYSK
It cuts off there.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Gerald was right. I didn’t want to listen to him.
ALTON FYSK
I know how you feel. I couldn’t think for about 20 minutes after I heard her message the first time. I must’ve listened to it 20 times to make sure I heard it right.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
She was part of the revolt?
ALTON FYSK
Yes, a card carrying member in fact.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Have you been to the lower tiers?
ALTON FYSK
Nothing below 175. It gets more difficult the lower you get. The heat gets more intense and lift access is minimal. If you want to go lower, you have to take either steps or eventually, ladders.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ladders? I thought there were steps built...
ALTON FYSK
That never happened. The ladders were supposed to be temporary but the council felt there were other priorities that needed to be addressed.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Yeah, priorities like re-decorating their chamber. And enriching uranium.
ALTON FYSK
What did you just say?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
They found uranium. In one of their excavation projects, they stumbled upon a uranium deposit. They want us to start enriching it for energy and weapons.
ALTON FYSK
You’ve got to be kidding me.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I wish I was.
ALTON FYSK
What did Daniels say?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
He doesn’t know yet. Your guys grabbed me before I had a chance to tell him.
ALTON FYSK
Are either of you uranium experts?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No. And we don’t know any either. Most of the experts on the planet died when the meltdowns hit. The council just sees doctor in our name and the title of scientist in their records so they assume we know everything about science. Their belief system is very convenient for them.
ALTON FYSK
Their stupidity is going to kill us all.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Probably.
ALTON FYSK
What are you going to do?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I have no idea. I need to get back and talk to Gerald.
ALTON FYSK
You should do that.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
May I leave now?
ALTON FYSK
Yeah. I apologize for the way we brought you in. We’ll use a gentler approach next time.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks.
ALTON FYSK
I hope you’ll continue to support the cause.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’ll do what I can.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PEOPLE LAUGHING, DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING
JONAS ALDRIDGE RESIDENCE
GERALD DANIELS
Jonas! Glad you’re back, I was just enjoying the company of our friend Nova here and introducing her to my charms.
SOUND: POURING SOUND JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’ll bet you have. He didn’t do anything inappropriate
did he?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Not at all, he’s the perfect gentleman.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s a stretch. Gerald, we need to talk.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I can leave if you want, I just stopped by for a quick visit to see how things are going.
GERALD DANIELS
At this point Jonas, I think it’s safe to talk in front of our new friend. I’ve been giving her quite an earful.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok, but Nova, once you hear these things, it could put you in danger if the council were to ever target you as a person of interest.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
I’m not afraid of them.
GERALD DANIELS
How did the council meeting go?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Disturbing. I gave the information we discussed and they were very concerned with the findings.
Specifically, they were interested in my report on the surface and how it will effect them moving their ground force attack against the southern colony.
GERALD DANIELS
Of course that’s their concern. Why do anything for the good of the colony when they can do more to support their war mongering agenda.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And speaking of agendas, that leads me to the more disturbing revelation. Gerald, they found a uranium deposit.
GERALD DANIELS
A uranium deposit? Actual uranium?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
They want us to start working on a way to refine it.
GERALD DANIELS
They’ve gone mad. We don’t have the experience or equipment to refine uranium! I don’t know of anyone alive that does!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I tried to tell them that but I was shut down immediately. Harris only wants to hear what he wants to hear. The truth doesn’t seem to be much of a concern.
He wants us to just "figure it out".
GERALD DANIELS
They’re going to get everyone killed.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Maybe that’s the goal. They’re all religious zealots hoping for the rapture.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Well if Gerald and I get our hands on this stuff, that just might be what happens. Uranium is not something to tamper with if you don’t know what you’re doing.
GERALD DANIELS
Or if you don’t have the equipment to work with. How are they containing it now?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
They didn’t say, they just said the area it’s in is sealed off.
GERALD DANIELS
I can’t imagine what they’re thinking.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
They want to use it for energy and they want us to make weapons with it.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Weapons?? As in nuclear bombs?
GERALD DANIELS
I won’t be doing that. They’ll have to kill me before I’ll be responsible for bringing even more destruction to a planet we’ve already decimated.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I agree. I don’t want to go near it for any reason. We’ll have to stall for now until we can figure out how to handle the situation.
GERALD DANIELS
I’ll come up with a bullshit report for them to buy us some time.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
It’s like they’re doing all they can to wipe the rest of humanity off the planet. So much for supporting life as they keep claiming.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
There’s something else Gerald. I had an impromptu meeting with your friend in the revolt.
GERALD DANIELS
You did? How did you find him?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
He found me, or, they found me. A couple of his men followed me out of the council chamber and abducted me at knife point once we were far enough away.
GERALD DANIELS
Knife point you say? Hmm, they threatened me with a gun the first time. Turned out to be a metal pipe.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Real charmers, your friends.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
They didn’t hurt you did they?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
No, I’m fine. The knife was more of a warning than a threat. I met with Alton Fysk.
GERALD DANIELS
What did he have to say?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I delivered the information we discussed.
GERALD DANIELS
And?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Unfortunately, there was confirmation through a message they received from Orliska. The virus is back.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What are you talking about? The virus was eradicated...
GERALD DANIELS
We thought the same thing. But we were wrong. A colleague of ours discovered it was back. She has no idea how or why, it’s what she was investigating when we lost communication with her.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Oh my god. This is a nightmare. I just want to get off this planet.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Where are we with that? Were you able to arrange the fuel?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Sure did. Having the council credit account has its rewards.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Don’t buy anything outside of what I tell you, they count every credit and will not tolerate any kind of abuse.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Not a problem. But yes, we’re good on the fuel. I also saw to a couple of minor repairs and don’t worry, it was still within the budget for extras you gave me to work with.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Great, thanks. You might want to start packing up any important belongings you have, we could be away for awhile.
SOUND: METAL PIPE RATTLING, THEN BURSTING, STEAM ESCAPING GERALD DANIELS
Son of a bitch!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Get down on the floor Nova, Gerald, I’ve got a blanket!
GERALD DANIELS
(SHOUTING OVER THE STEAM SOUND)
Can you get to the shut off valve?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Keep this over your head.
SOUND: STEAM CONTINUING, RUNNING, DOOR OPENING, STEAM SUBSIDING, WALKING, DOOR CLOSING
GERALD DANIELS
Nicely done.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
It wasn’t me, the pressure subsided suddenly. Like an explosion of pressure.
GERALD DANIELS
This place is falling apart.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I’m guessing the cave ins caused the pressure to build when the pipes in those tiers were crushed. Maybe it just took a while to build up and release.
GERALD DANIELS
I guess you’ll just have to give me sponge baths for awhile.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Not on my worst day Gerald.
GERALD DANIELS
Fine, Nova?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
It’s been exciting fellas, but I have to go pack for another apocalypse apparently.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, PEOPLE TALKING AND DRINKING, SOUNDS OF A BAR
ESTABLISHMENT NOVA BAYFLOWER
COUNCIL APPROVED DRINKING
(DRUNK, SLURRING SPEECH)
Who makes this piss anyway? This council approved swill is what they call wine?
BARTENDER
Hey Nova, take it down a notch, ok?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Do you know how many credits I have to waste to get buzzed on this stuff?
BARTENDER
You look like you’re doing just fine and it’s all we’re allowed to serve.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
You know what? I’ve had the real deal, I’ve had moonshine!
BARTENDER
Sure you have Nova, sure you have.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Why don’t you serve that in here bubba? Oh, wait! I know, it’s not approved by the council, am I right?
BARTENDER
I think it’s time you called it a night Nova.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
What’s the point? The council’s going to get us all killed anyway! Between them, radiation, meteors, and now the virus!
BARTENDER
Don’t you dare spread lies about that in this bar! You need to leave, now! Cliff! Get over here and see Ms.
Bayflower to the door.
SOUND: SOMEONE WALKING OVER, A SCUFFLE TAKING PLACE NOVA BAYFLOWER
Get your damn hands off of me!
SOUND: PUNCHING, FIGHTING, SHOUTING, BOTTLES BREAKING, GLASS SHATTERING
BARTENDER
Son of a bitch! You knocked out my bouncer and broke our damn mirror! You’re paying for that out of YOUR credits! Get out of my bar Nova, now!
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Fine! I’m going!
SOUND: WALKING, DOOR OPENING/CLOSING, WALKING SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
What’s the commotion here miss?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Nothing, everything is fine.
SOUND: DOOR OPENING BARTENDER
Bullshit! She punched out our bouncer and wrecked the bar!
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
Is this true?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Look, I had a few drinks and things got a little out of hand.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
You’ll need to come with us.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Now hold on a minute, I just want to go home.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
It’s in your best interest to cooperate.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
It’s in your best interest to kiss my ass!
SOUND: STRUGGLING SOUNDS, YELLING NOVA BAYFLOWER
Bastards! Get off of me! I can’t get arrested, I’m part of an important mission for the council!
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #1
Sure, whatever you say. You’re under arrest, you’re coming with us.
SOUND: TRANSITION SOUND, BACKGROUND SOUND FROM BEING IN A JAIL
COUNCIL SECURITY DETENTION CENTER
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Hi, I’m Dr. Jonas Aldridge. I’m here to pick up Nova Bayflower. I believe you arrested her last night.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
Hang on a sec. Yes, Bayflower. We picked her up last night for an incident at one of our entertainment establishment.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Why can’t you just say she was in a fight in a bar?
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
Bars were outlawed by the council years ago and the proper terminology...
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(INTERRUPTING)
Just tell me what I have to do to get her out.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
You can’t, she’s under arrest. She’s stuck here until her trial.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok, you have to understand that Nova Bayflower is part of an important council mission. I’m working directly with the council on this. She’s a pilot and we need her.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
Then get another pilot.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Do you know how many pilots are left in the colony? Do you have any idea how hard it is to find someone qualified to fly a space craft?
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
Sounds like more a you problem than a me problem.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
The council has already officially approved her, she is working for them directly on this project.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
And what proof do you have of this?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
I spoke with Council Seat Harris about this very issue before I came here; a confirmation of her involvement should’ve been sent here by now through the network.
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
One moment while I check with my superior.
SOUND: COMMUNICATOR BEING USED, DISCUSSION IN BACKGROUND SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
Ok, the message was received and confirmed.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Well? Is she free to go?
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
Yes, but you’ll be responsible for her and if she gets in trouble again, your credentials won’t help her.
She’s going to be fined for the amount of credits needed to repair the establishment in addition to paying a fine for the crime itself.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Whatever. Can I collect her so we can get on with our work?
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
I’ll send someone to bring her out.
SOUND: COMMUNICATOR RINGING SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
One moment.
SOUND: DISCUSSION OVER THE COMMUNICATOR
SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
Someone is collecting her but my superior wants a word with you Dr. Aldridge before you leave. She’ll be out momentarily.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Who’s your superior?
SOUND: HEAVY DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Dr. Aldridge, I’m Colonel Mercy Harlow.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Greetings Colonel Harlow.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Please join me in my office for a moment.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sure.
SOUND: WALKING, HEAVY DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Please have a seat, this will only take a moment.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Since it’s only a moment, I’ll just stand.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
As you wish.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
What can I do for you colonel?
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
The woman that was brought in, she’s a friend of yours?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
A colleague. We’re working together on a mission for the council.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
What mission is that?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
That’s of no concern to you Colonel. Just know that we’re working directly with Council Seat Harris. If you have any questions regarding the details of our mission, feel free to question him.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
I answer to Council Seat Harris too, so maybe I’ll just do that.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Anything else?
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Yes, I’m not a fan of your friend there.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Colleague.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
I’m not a fan of your colleague. She raised a bit of hell last night when we brought her in and had to be subdued.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Subdued? How?
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Don’t concern yourself with our methods Dr. Aldridge. She’s fine. What you should be concerned with is her behavior.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
She’s a grown woman, my interest in her is strictly professional.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Than perhaps you should find another colleague.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Sure, why don’t you point me in the direction of another pilot that’s qualified to fly into low orbit.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
That’s not my job.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Exactly. So why don’t you let me worry about who I’m working with.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
I’ve been looking at your personnel records Dr. Aldridge, you have a bit of a complicated past yourself, don’t you?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
In my youth colonel, in my youth.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
The security force is here to ensure the safety of the members of the colony as well as to protect the council. We’ll be keeping a closer eye on the both of you to make sure no more incidents to jeopardize anyone’s safety occurs. She apparently attacked an establishment employee and threatened the manager with violence.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
And why would you be watching me?
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
We can’t have the life of one of the council’s scientists in danger now can we?
SOUND: DOOR KNOCK COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Come in!
SOUND: HEAVY DOOR OPENING SECURITY FORCE MEMBER #2
Colonel Harlow, Ms. Bayflower is up front.
COLONEL MERCY HARLOW
Thank you for your time Dr. Aldridge, I bid you good day. Thoughts and prayers.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Thanks.
SOUND: HEAVY DOOR CLOSING, WALKING NOVA BAYFLOWER
Hey, thanks for coming to get me. I didn’t have anyone else to...
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Let’s go.
SOUND: DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING, WALKING NOVA BAYFLOWER
I know you’re pissed off at me. I didn’t mean to get into a fight. It’s just, after our talk about everything, it all felt so hopeless.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So you decided to get trashed and pick a fight?
NOVA BAYFLOWER
It wasn’t like that. Yes, I drank a bit much but the fight was a mutual thing.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
You can’t pull this kind of crap Nova. We’re walking a fine line here, the council was watching us closely enough but now it’s going to get a lot worse and things are going to get more difficult.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Why is that?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Because we now have the attention of the council’s most notorious hatchet man, or woman in this case.
NOVA BAYFLOWER
Who?
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Colonel Mercy Harlow, otherwise known as Mercyless Harlow.
SOUND: THEME MUSIC END OF EPISODE 4