VOID - SEASON 6, EPISODE 7
Written by Sean McKnight
With Jeni Miller
Some Will Rise, Some Will Fall
VOID PODCAST LLC
voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
Previously on VOID, Ursula and Terry started bonding as friends much to the chagrin of Pat.
Serebella and Regina had a sexual breakthrough with Regina’s handicap. And a harvester ship from the station has shown up to scrap the base threatening all they’ve achieved so far.
SOUND: BUTTON
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
REGINA REX
Attention crew. We have encountered another ship, a harvester from the station. I need everyone at battle stations now. Anko, what are we up against?
ANKO LUMEN
Well, it’s been awhile since I worked with a harvester. What I remember is that they weren’t built for conflict so defenses should be minimal.
REGINA REX
Ok, doesn’t sound a like big deal.
ANKO LUMEN
Probably nothing to worry about. But again, that was when those ships had human crews. Now, they’re all machine.
REGINA REX
What course of action do you recommend?
ANKO LUMEN
Disable it. Don’t destroy it. If word gets back to the station that we destroyed their ship, that won’t go over well.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How would anyone know?
ANKO LUMEN
They have logging cameras and audio recorders for documenting everything that ship is encountering which is transmitted back to the station.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So there’s a chance it’s already captured the Ching She on camera.
ANKO LUMEN
Possibly. The ship is still a little far from us so they may not be able to make out the detail of our ship just yet.
REGINA REX
Let’s keep our distance. Astrid, scan the harvester ship for any transmission signals and if they’re pinging us with their detectors.
ASTRID
Scanning harvester now.
SOUND: SCANNING SOUND, PROGRESS FINISHED
ASTRID (CONT'D)
Audio and video signals detected.
REGINA REX
Astrid, jam their signals for their video and audio feeds.
ASTRID
Jamming harvester ship’s video and audio feed now.
SOUND: COMPUTER PROCESSING
REGINA REX
That should keep us blind to it.
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
PAT MENDELSON
Reporting for duty captain. Terry is manning the guns with Serebella.
REGINA REX
Good, get over there on that console and wait for instruction.
PAT MENDELSON
Yes ma’am.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SITTING DOWN
REGINA REX
Jonas, I’d like you to...
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
MADDOX KANE
What can I do to help Captain Rex?
REGINA REX
Maddox, go with Jonas to man the aft plasma cannons. The tracking computers will do the trick, I just need you there as a backup. Jonas will show you...
MADDOX KANE
(cutting off Regina) I’m sorry, but no.
REGINA REX
Did you just noto a direct order?
MADDOX KANE
I did. I’m afraid you will not get me to agree to commit acts of violence.
REGINA REX
How is this an act of violence?
MADDOX KANE
Any use of destructive force is seen as unnecessary to my people.
REGINA REX
But, you just have to sit there in case I need you to operate the weapon against an AI ship. You do understand you’re not actually killing anything, right?
MADDOX KANE
Are you so sure about that? You understand that AI has a consciousness don’t you? So it doesn’t matter whether the intelligence is human or not. It’s still real. I would be participating in a violent act by lending support to kill it. My answer is no.
ANKO LUMEN
But Maddox, you understand that the harvester ship is just a big machine that’s been programmed to only harvest equipment. So the AI is limited to just that comprehension.
MADDOX KANE
Doesn’t matter. It still has a consciousness even if it’s one that’s programmed. Destructive force is never the answer.
REGINA REX
Well then you’ve never encountered a hostile force.
MADDOX KANE
Sure we have.
REGINA REX
What did you do?
MADDOX KANE
We hid. The Nepenthe has a cloaking device. We just disappeared anytime an unknown ship would show up in our quadrant.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok, but hiding isn’t going to accomplish anything in this scenario.
ANKO LUMEN
If we don’t at least disable the harvester, we will lose all our equipment and data.
MADDOX KANE
You could always start over again.
REGINA REX
That’s kind of a ridiculous notion and really impractical for us Maddox.
MADDOX KANE
My principles remain the same. I will not be party to destruction, regardless of the inconvenience.
REGINA REX
Good luck with that but your attitude makes you very unhelpful in this situation. And if you’re not helping, I’m going to question why you’re still on my ship.
MADDOX KANE
Understood, the argument I’d like to make...
REGINA REX
(cutting off Maddox)
Is absolutely pointless given our current circumstances. Sit over there and shut up until I can figure out if you’re of any use at all or if I’m flushing you out of the airlock for being a worthless pain in the ass during a conflict.
MADDOX KANE
Uh, ok. Yes ma’am.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SITTING DOWN
REGINA REX
Jonas, head to the aft plasma cannons. Anko, stay here, I need your council. Ursula, secure yourself in the med office and prepare for any injuries.
URSULA NASH
(over speaker) Will do captain.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, TRANSITION, FOOSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
SEREBELLA REON
Hey Terry. Just as before, get on that gun over there. We’ll be on the targeting computers but may have to go manual if things get hairy.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SITTING DOWN
TERRY MENDELSON
On it! I would love to fire this baby sometime.
SEREBELLA REON
You might get your chance right now if things go sideways.
TERRY MENDELSON
Come on. This is just a harvester AI ship. Where’s the challenge?
Hey, how is Captain Rex doing? Really?
SEREBELLA REON
She’s had it tough lately but she’s rising to it. It gets really hard for her.
TERRY MENDELSON
She’s lucky she has you to help her through everything.
SEREBELLA REON
I’m the lucky one to be with her. We’ve been facing it together, it’s not easy. She was there for me during a rough time, I owe her nothing less than my full support.
TERRY MENDELSON
Oh? What happened?
SEREBELLA REON
I was going through an addiction recovery. An ugly one. The withdrawal was hell. I almost killed Jonas and Anko on Titan. I came close. After that, I knew I had to do something about it. She was there for me through every horrible moment of the experience.
TERRY MENDELSON
You two seem like a great team though.
SEREBELLA REON
So do you and Pat with everything you’ve been through.
TERRY MENDELSON
(apprehensive) Yeah, I guess.
SEREBELLA REON
You guess?
TERRY MENDELSON
Things are changing between us. I’m changing. I’m not so sure she is though.
SEREBELLA REON
What do you mean?
TERRY MENDELSON
Well, we had, uh, plans. Plans for our future. And now, I feel like we should change our plans and move in a different direction.
SEREBELLA REON
And she wants to stick to your old plans?
TERRY MENDELSON
Yeah. But I don’t.
SEREBELLA REON
Does it involve you leaving us?
TERRY MENDELSON
Yes, well, sort of, but yes. But I don’t want to leave! I really like being on the crew with all of you. I feel like I’m finding MY place here.
SEREBELLA REON
And she doesn’t feel the same?
TERRY MENDELSON
Not really.
SEREBELLA REON
Well, maybe if she bonded more with some of the other crew members, she would feel more comfortable.
TERRY MENDELSON
Maybe. She really likes Anko. A lot.
SEREBELLA REON
(surprised)
She does? Then again, Anko has been shifting to being less of an asshole.
TERRY MENDELSON
She hates Ursula.
SEREBELLA REON
Ursula can rub people the wrong way but she’s a really good person.
TERRY MENDELSON
Maddox upset her too.
SEREBELLA REON
How does she feel about me?
TERRY MENDELSON
Suspicious. But she doesn’t hate you.
SEREBELLA REON
I think we’re long overdue for a poker game. That could be just the thing to break the tension.
TERRY MENDELSON
Poker game?
SEREBELLA REON
We’ll talk about it later.
SOUND: TRANSITION
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker)
Captain Rex, I’m on the aft guns.
REGINA REX
Affirmative Jonas. Okay everyone, listen up. We’re targeting the ship to disable it, not to destroy it.
The targeting computers will...
SOUND: ALERT
ASTRID
Alert. AI ship locking on.
REGINA REX
What!? Shit!! Astrid, shields!!
ASTRID
Raising shields. AI ship firing rail gun.
SOUND: RAISING SHIELDS, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
REGINA REX
Damn! Astrid, target ship and fire.
ASTRID
Targeting AI ship and firing plasma cannons.
SOUND: PLASMA CANNONS FIRING
REGINA REX
Astrid, report on AI ship’s damage.
ASTRID
AI ship evaded cannons. There is no damage. AI ship firing rail gun.
SOUND: IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
REGINA REX
You’ve got to be kidding me! I’m going manual. Serebella, Jonas, Terry, turn off the tracking computers. Go manual and blast that thing into the cosmos. Don’t bother disabling it.
SEREBELLA REON
(over speaker) Yes ma’am.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker) Will do Captain Rex.
TERRY MENDELSON
(over speaker) Hot damn!
REGINA REX
Pat, I need you to bring up the shield levels on your console and monitor.
PAT MENDELSON
Yes captain.
SOUND: KEYBOARD
PAT MENDELSON (CONT'D)
Current shield integrity is at 78%.
REGINA REX
So much for crap defenses. Anko, thoughts?
ANKO LUMEN
I have no idea. I guess they updated the design.
REGINA REX
(sarcastic)
No shit. That helps. I’m taking evasive maneuvers so everyone strap in.
SOUND: BUTTONS, ENGINES FIRING AND GETTING LOUDER, PLASMA CANNONS FIRING, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity, 68%.
REGINA REX
Ok guys, you need to nail that thing or we’re in trouble.
SOUND: PLASMA CANNONS CONTINUE
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Astrid, status report, AI ship damage.
ASTRID
Plasma cannons making contact. AI ship shield integrity, 99.99%.
REGINA REX
We’re barely making a dent.
SOUND: IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity, 62%.
ASTRID
AI ship launching drones.
ANKO LUMEN
Captain, we may need to get out of here before that ship destroys us.
REGINA REX
We’re not done yet. Target those drones as soon as they get in range.
SOUND: PLASMA CANNONS CONTINUE, TRANSITION
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
TERRY MENDELSON
We’re never going to get through the AI ship shields.
SEREBELLA REON
What are you talking about?
TERRY MENDELSON
The energized particles those shields are based on work from plasma too. Plasma cancels itself out when it comes in contact with other plasma.
SEREBELLA REON
So our cannons are useless.
TERRY MENDELSON
Essentially. We’d have to shoot that thing for days to do any real damage.
SEREBELLA REON
Captain. Terry, just informed me the plasma cannons are not going to be effective on the AI ship.
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
Well that sucks! For now, everyone target those drones and take them out!
SEREBELLA REON
That we can do!
SOUND: FIRING PLASMA CANNONS, DISTANT EXPLOSIONS, TRANSITION, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity, 58%.
ASTRID
Incoming attack drones are firing.
SOUND: IMPACT FROM ATTACK DRONES
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity, 57%.
REGINA REX
Hang on everyone, I’m putting us into high gear!
SOUND: FIRING FROM DRONES AND PLASMA CANNONS, ENGINES ROARING, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity 52%.
REGINA REX
If we dip below 30%, I’m getting us out of here.
ANKO LUMEN
You do know we’ll lose everything.
REGINA REX
If we lose the shields, none of it will matter anyway.
SOUND: TRANSITION, FIRING FROM DRONES AND PLASMA CANNONS, ENGINES LOUD
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
TERRY MENDELSON
I have an idea but it’s incredibly dangerous.
SEREBELLA REON
I think we might need incredibly dangerous right now. What is it?
TERRY MENDELSON
If we reverse the charges of the ions and electrons in the plasma, our guns could potentially cancel out their shields.
SEREBELLA REON
That sounds good.
TERRY MENDELSON
Or, when we try to fire, the cannons will just explode.
SEREBELLA REON
Captain Rex? We might have a way to alter the guns so they’ll actually work against the AI shields.
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
What the hell are you waiting for?
SEREBELLA REON
Well, Terry said it’s kind of dangerous so...
REGINA REX
We’re in the middle of the shit now so just do it!
SEREBELLA REON
Yes ma’am. Terry, do you think you can modify your cannon to reverse the charges?
TERRY MENDELSON
Yeah, I think I can.
SEREBELLA REON
Then do it.
SOUND: TRANSITION, FIRING FROM DRONES AND PLASMA CANNONS, ENGINES ROARING, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity 50%.
REGINA REX
Pat, hold off on the updates and let me know when it gets below 40%.
PAT MENDELSON
Yes captain.
SEREBELLA REON
(over speaker)
Captain Rex, I think we may have something that will work.
REGINA REX
I don’t give a damn what it is if it gets us out of this mess!
SEREBELLA REON
Yes ma’am. Terry is working on recalibrating one of the cannons now. We’ll keep you posted.
PAT MENDELSON
Terry? Are you sure he should be tinkering with a cannon?
REGINA REX
Don’t worry about what Terry’s doing, I’m sure Serebella has his back. Just keep your eye on that console.
SOUND: FIRING, IMPACT AND ENGINES CONTINUE
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker)
These drones are killing us Captain Rex!
REGINA REX
Hang in there Jonas, we’re working on it! Keep firing on those drones!
SOUND: LOUD METALLIC CLUNK
ASTRID
Warning. AI ship has locked on a tractor beam. The Ching She is currently be pulled towards the AI ship.
REGINA REX
Oh no you didn’t! Son-of-a-bitch!
SOUND: BUTTONS, ENGINES GETTING LOUDER, TRANSITION, MECHANICAL PROCESS BEING FINISHED WITH TOOLS, GUNS FIRING
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
TERRY MENDELSON
(finishing calibration)
There! That should do it. I’m going to take a shot at the AI ship and see what happens.
SEREBELLA REON
Do it!
SOUND: SITTING IN CHAIR, BUTTONS, GUN WARMING UP, FIRING, DISTANT EXPLOSIONS
TERRY MENDELSON
I think I hit it!
SEREBELLA REON
One way to tell - Astrid, status report AI ship shields.
ASTRID
Scanning AI ship shields.
SOUND: SCANNING
ASTRID (CONT'D)
AI ship shield integrity 87%.
TERRY MENDELSON
Hell yeah!
SEREBELLA REON
Captain! Terry had a direct hit on the AI ship, their shields are down
13 percent!
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
Way to go Terry! Set up Serebella’s gun and start wailing on that damn thing! Jonas keep taking out those drones!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker)
You got it Captain Rex! Great job Terry!
TERRY MENDELSON
On it!
SOUND: TRANSITION, GUNS FIRING, OCCASIONAL IMPACT
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
ANKO LUMEN
If that ships pulls us into it with the tractor beam it’s going to start tearing the guts out of the Ching She.
REGINA REX
We can’t run anymore. We need to put our hope on Terry’s gun recalibration plan.
PAT MENDELSON
(under her breath) I wouldn’t count on it.
REGINA REX
What was that Pat?
PAT MENDELSON
Nothing, just clearing my throat.
MADDOX KANE
Actually she said that “I wouldn’t count on it.” I’m guessing she was referencing Terry’s skills.
PAT MENDELSON
(with disdain) Thanks Maddox.
REGINA REX
What do you mean, “I wouldn’t count on it.”?
PAT MENDELSON
Terry’s not always the most reliable person in the world with his skill sets. He’s usually pretty good if it’s something he knows but if he’s experimenting, things can go sideways.
REGINA REX
We’ll just give Terry the benefit of the doubt.
PAT MENDELSON
That’s your call I guess.
REGINA REX
It certainly is. Worry about your
job Pat.
PAT MENDELSON
(under her breath) Whatever.
I’m sorry?
REGINA REX
PAT MENDELSON
Yes, Captain Rex. Whatever you say.
REGINA REX
Uh huh.
SOUND: GUN FIRE, LOUD IMPACT ON THE CHING SHE
PAT MENDELSON
Um, uh, Captain Rex? Shield integrity at 17%.
REGINA REX
What the hell Pat?! You were supposed to tell me when it was below 40!
PAT MENDELSON
It was just above that I swear!
MADDOX KANE
Actually I saw the monitor from here and it dropped to 27% while you were both discussing Terry’s skills.
REGINA REX
Dammit Pat!! You have one job! You are relieved of your duties. Get your ass out of that chair. Maddox, I want you to step in and monitor the shields. Tell me when we get below 10 percent!
PAT MENDELSON
But...
REGINA REX
No buts!! Just do as I say!!
SOUND: GETTING OUT OF CHAIR, FOOTSTEPS, SITTING IN CHAIR
MADDOX KANE
I’m in place captain.
SEREBELLA REON
(over speaker)
Terry’s finished calibrations on my gun. We’re both opening fire now!
SOUND: TRANSITION, GUNS FIRING, VARIOUS IMPACT
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
SEREBELLA REON
Nice shot Terry! We’re pounding the hell out of that ship! Keep it up!
TERRY MENDELSON
(as he’s firing)
This is one of the best times I’ve ever had!
SEREBELLA REON
Ha! Glad you’re enjoying yourself. Astrid - report AI ship shield status every 10 percent!
ASTRID
AI ship shield integrity 30 percent.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker)
Hurry! The drones aren’t letting up!
SEREBELLA REON
Almost there Jonas!
SOUND: GUNS FIRING AND IMPACT INTESIFYING
ASTRID
AI ship shield integrity 20 percent.
SOUND: FIRING AND IMPACT CONTINUES BUILDING
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
Stay on it! It’s almost got us pulled in!
ASTRID
AI ship shield integrity 10 percent.
SEREBELLA REON
(over intense firing) Ahhhhh!!!!
TERRY MENDELSON
(over intense firing) Ahhhhh!!!!
SOUND: FIRING AND IMPACT REACHING A CRESCENDO, TRANSITION, SILENCE, SHIP ENGINES POWER DIMINSIHING
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
REGINA REX
(disoriented)
I think, I think it’s been destroyed. Astrid, AI ship status.
SOUND: SCANNING SOUND
ASTRID
AI ship has been destroyed.
REGINA REX
Yes!!
ANKO LUMEN
(in unison) Excellent!!
REGINA REX
Great job everyone! Serebella, Terry, Jonas... Killer gun work! Terry - amazing work on getting those guns going!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker, out of breath)
Thanks Captain.
TERRY MENDELSON
(over speaker) Captain!
REGINA REX
There’s the hero!
TERRY MENDELSON
Send Ursula right away! We were hit! Serebella is down!!
END OF EPISODE
Written by Sean McKnight
With Jeni Miller
Some Will Rise, Some Will Fall
VOID PODCAST LLC
voidthepodcast@gmail.com
NARRATOR
Previously on VOID, Ursula and Terry started bonding as friends much to the chagrin of Pat.
Serebella and Regina had a sexual breakthrough with Regina’s handicap. And a harvester ship from the station has shown up to scrap the base threatening all they’ve achieved so far.
SOUND: BUTTON
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
REGINA REX
Attention crew. We have encountered another ship, a harvester from the station. I need everyone at battle stations now. Anko, what are we up against?
ANKO LUMEN
Well, it’s been awhile since I worked with a harvester. What I remember is that they weren’t built for conflict so defenses should be minimal.
REGINA REX
Ok, doesn’t sound a like big deal.
ANKO LUMEN
Probably nothing to worry about. But again, that was when those ships had human crews. Now, they’re all machine.
REGINA REX
What course of action do you recommend?
ANKO LUMEN
Disable it. Don’t destroy it. If word gets back to the station that we destroyed their ship, that won’t go over well.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
How would anyone know?
ANKO LUMEN
They have logging cameras and audio recorders for documenting everything that ship is encountering which is transmitted back to the station.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
So there’s a chance it’s already captured the Ching She on camera.
ANKO LUMEN
Possibly. The ship is still a little far from us so they may not be able to make out the detail of our ship just yet.
REGINA REX
Let’s keep our distance. Astrid, scan the harvester ship for any transmission signals and if they’re pinging us with their detectors.
ASTRID
Scanning harvester now.
SOUND: SCANNING SOUND, PROGRESS FINISHED
ASTRID (CONT'D)
Audio and video signals detected.
REGINA REX
Astrid, jam their signals for their video and audio feeds.
ASTRID
Jamming harvester ship’s video and audio feed now.
SOUND: COMPUTER PROCESSING
REGINA REX
That should keep us blind to it.
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
PAT MENDELSON
Reporting for duty captain. Terry is manning the guns with Serebella.
REGINA REX
Good, get over there on that console and wait for instruction.
PAT MENDELSON
Yes ma’am.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SITTING DOWN
REGINA REX
Jonas, I’d like you to...
SOUND: HATCH, FOOTSTEPS
MADDOX KANE
What can I do to help Captain Rex?
REGINA REX
Maddox, go with Jonas to man the aft plasma cannons. The tracking computers will do the trick, I just need you there as a backup. Jonas will show you...
MADDOX KANE
(cutting off Regina) I’m sorry, but no.
REGINA REX
Did you just noto a direct order?
MADDOX KANE
I did. I’m afraid you will not get me to agree to commit acts of violence.
REGINA REX
How is this an act of violence?
MADDOX KANE
Any use of destructive force is seen as unnecessary to my people.
REGINA REX
But, you just have to sit there in case I need you to operate the weapon against an AI ship. You do understand you’re not actually killing anything, right?
MADDOX KANE
Are you so sure about that? You understand that AI has a consciousness don’t you? So it doesn’t matter whether the intelligence is human or not. It’s still real. I would be participating in a violent act by lending support to kill it. My answer is no.
ANKO LUMEN
But Maddox, you understand that the harvester ship is just a big machine that’s been programmed to only harvest equipment. So the AI is limited to just that comprehension.
MADDOX KANE
Doesn’t matter. It still has a consciousness even if it’s one that’s programmed. Destructive force is never the answer.
REGINA REX
Well then you’ve never encountered a hostile force.
MADDOX KANE
Sure we have.
REGINA REX
What did you do?
MADDOX KANE
We hid. The Nepenthe has a cloaking device. We just disappeared anytime an unknown ship would show up in our quadrant.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
Ok, but hiding isn’t going to accomplish anything in this scenario.
ANKO LUMEN
If we don’t at least disable the harvester, we will lose all our equipment and data.
MADDOX KANE
You could always start over again.
REGINA REX
That’s kind of a ridiculous notion and really impractical for us Maddox.
MADDOX KANE
My principles remain the same. I will not be party to destruction, regardless of the inconvenience.
REGINA REX
Good luck with that but your attitude makes you very unhelpful in this situation. And if you’re not helping, I’m going to question why you’re still on my ship.
MADDOX KANE
Understood, the argument I’d like to make...
REGINA REX
(cutting off Maddox)
Is absolutely pointless given our current circumstances. Sit over there and shut up until I can figure out if you’re of any use at all or if I’m flushing you out of the airlock for being a worthless pain in the ass during a conflict.
MADDOX KANE
Uh, ok. Yes ma’am.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SITTING DOWN
REGINA REX
Jonas, head to the aft plasma cannons. Anko, stay here, I need your council. Ursula, secure yourself in the med office and prepare for any injuries.
URSULA NASH
(over speaker) Will do captain.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, HATCH, TRANSITION, FOOSTEPS
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
SEREBELLA REON
Hey Terry. Just as before, get on that gun over there. We’ll be on the targeting computers but may have to go manual if things get hairy.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, SITTING DOWN
TERRY MENDELSON
On it! I would love to fire this baby sometime.
SEREBELLA REON
You might get your chance right now if things go sideways.
TERRY MENDELSON
Come on. This is just a harvester AI ship. Where’s the challenge?
Hey, how is Captain Rex doing? Really?
SEREBELLA REON
She’s had it tough lately but she’s rising to it. It gets really hard for her.
TERRY MENDELSON
She’s lucky she has you to help her through everything.
SEREBELLA REON
I’m the lucky one to be with her. We’ve been facing it together, it’s not easy. She was there for me during a rough time, I owe her nothing less than my full support.
TERRY MENDELSON
Oh? What happened?
SEREBELLA REON
I was going through an addiction recovery. An ugly one. The withdrawal was hell. I almost killed Jonas and Anko on Titan. I came close. After that, I knew I had to do something about it. She was there for me through every horrible moment of the experience.
TERRY MENDELSON
You two seem like a great team though.
SEREBELLA REON
So do you and Pat with everything you’ve been through.
TERRY MENDELSON
(apprehensive) Yeah, I guess.
SEREBELLA REON
You guess?
TERRY MENDELSON
Things are changing between us. I’m changing. I’m not so sure she is though.
SEREBELLA REON
What do you mean?
TERRY MENDELSON
Well, we had, uh, plans. Plans for our future. And now, I feel like we should change our plans and move in a different direction.
SEREBELLA REON
And she wants to stick to your old plans?
TERRY MENDELSON
Yeah. But I don’t.
SEREBELLA REON
Does it involve you leaving us?
TERRY MENDELSON
Yes, well, sort of, but yes. But I don’t want to leave! I really like being on the crew with all of you. I feel like I’m finding MY place here.
SEREBELLA REON
And she doesn’t feel the same?
TERRY MENDELSON
Not really.
SEREBELLA REON
Well, maybe if she bonded more with some of the other crew members, she would feel more comfortable.
TERRY MENDELSON
Maybe. She really likes Anko. A lot.
SEREBELLA REON
(surprised)
She does? Then again, Anko has been shifting to being less of an asshole.
TERRY MENDELSON
She hates Ursula.
SEREBELLA REON
Ursula can rub people the wrong way but she’s a really good person.
TERRY MENDELSON
Maddox upset her too.
SEREBELLA REON
How does she feel about me?
TERRY MENDELSON
Suspicious. But she doesn’t hate you.
SEREBELLA REON
I think we’re long overdue for a poker game. That could be just the thing to break the tension.
TERRY MENDELSON
Poker game?
SEREBELLA REON
We’ll talk about it later.
SOUND: TRANSITION
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker)
Captain Rex, I’m on the aft guns.
REGINA REX
Affirmative Jonas. Okay everyone, listen up. We’re targeting the ship to disable it, not to destroy it.
The targeting computers will...
SOUND: ALERT
ASTRID
Alert. AI ship locking on.
REGINA REX
What!? Shit!! Astrid, shields!!
ASTRID
Raising shields. AI ship firing rail gun.
SOUND: RAISING SHIELDS, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
REGINA REX
Damn! Astrid, target ship and fire.
ASTRID
Targeting AI ship and firing plasma cannons.
SOUND: PLASMA CANNONS FIRING
REGINA REX
Astrid, report on AI ship’s damage.
ASTRID
AI ship evaded cannons. There is no damage. AI ship firing rail gun.
SOUND: IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
REGINA REX
You’ve got to be kidding me! I’m going manual. Serebella, Jonas, Terry, turn off the tracking computers. Go manual and blast that thing into the cosmos. Don’t bother disabling it.
SEREBELLA REON
(over speaker) Yes ma’am.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker) Will do Captain Rex.
TERRY MENDELSON
(over speaker) Hot damn!
REGINA REX
Pat, I need you to bring up the shield levels on your console and monitor.
PAT MENDELSON
Yes captain.
SOUND: KEYBOARD
PAT MENDELSON (CONT'D)
Current shield integrity is at 78%.
REGINA REX
So much for crap defenses. Anko, thoughts?
ANKO LUMEN
I have no idea. I guess they updated the design.
REGINA REX
(sarcastic)
No shit. That helps. I’m taking evasive maneuvers so everyone strap in.
SOUND: BUTTONS, ENGINES FIRING AND GETTING LOUDER, PLASMA CANNONS FIRING, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity, 68%.
REGINA REX
Ok guys, you need to nail that thing or we’re in trouble.
SOUND: PLASMA CANNONS CONTINUE
REGINA REX (CONT'D)
Astrid, status report, AI ship damage.
ASTRID
Plasma cannons making contact. AI ship shield integrity, 99.99%.
REGINA REX
We’re barely making a dent.
SOUND: IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity, 62%.
ASTRID
AI ship launching drones.
ANKO LUMEN
Captain, we may need to get out of here before that ship destroys us.
REGINA REX
We’re not done yet. Target those drones as soon as they get in range.
SOUND: PLASMA CANNONS CONTINUE, TRANSITION
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
TERRY MENDELSON
We’re never going to get through the AI ship shields.
SEREBELLA REON
What are you talking about?
TERRY MENDELSON
The energized particles those shields are based on work from plasma too. Plasma cancels itself out when it comes in contact with other plasma.
SEREBELLA REON
So our cannons are useless.
TERRY MENDELSON
Essentially. We’d have to shoot that thing for days to do any real damage.
SEREBELLA REON
Captain. Terry, just informed me the plasma cannons are not going to be effective on the AI ship.
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
Well that sucks! For now, everyone target those drones and take them out!
SEREBELLA REON
That we can do!
SOUND: FIRING PLASMA CANNONS, DISTANT EXPLOSIONS, TRANSITION, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity, 58%.
ASTRID
Incoming attack drones are firing.
SOUND: IMPACT FROM ATTACK DRONES
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity, 57%.
REGINA REX
Hang on everyone, I’m putting us into high gear!
SOUND: FIRING FROM DRONES AND PLASMA CANNONS, ENGINES ROARING, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity 52%.
REGINA REX
If we dip below 30%, I’m getting us out of here.
ANKO LUMEN
You do know we’ll lose everything.
REGINA REX
If we lose the shields, none of it will matter anyway.
SOUND: TRANSITION, FIRING FROM DRONES AND PLASMA CANNONS, ENGINES LOUD
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
TERRY MENDELSON
I have an idea but it’s incredibly dangerous.
SEREBELLA REON
I think we might need incredibly dangerous right now. What is it?
TERRY MENDELSON
If we reverse the charges of the ions and electrons in the plasma, our guns could potentially cancel out their shields.
SEREBELLA REON
That sounds good.
TERRY MENDELSON
Or, when we try to fire, the cannons will just explode.
SEREBELLA REON
Captain Rex? We might have a way to alter the guns so they’ll actually work against the AI shields.
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
What the hell are you waiting for?
SEREBELLA REON
Well, Terry said it’s kind of dangerous so...
REGINA REX
We’re in the middle of the shit now so just do it!
SEREBELLA REON
Yes ma’am. Terry, do you think you can modify your cannon to reverse the charges?
TERRY MENDELSON
Yeah, I think I can.
SEREBELLA REON
Then do it.
SOUND: TRANSITION, FIRING FROM DRONES AND PLASMA CANNONS, ENGINES ROARING, IMPACT FROM RAIL GUN
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
PAT MENDELSON
Shield integrity 50%.
REGINA REX
Pat, hold off on the updates and let me know when it gets below 40%.
PAT MENDELSON
Yes captain.
SEREBELLA REON
(over speaker)
Captain Rex, I think we may have something that will work.
REGINA REX
I don’t give a damn what it is if it gets us out of this mess!
SEREBELLA REON
Yes ma’am. Terry is working on recalibrating one of the cannons now. We’ll keep you posted.
PAT MENDELSON
Terry? Are you sure he should be tinkering with a cannon?
REGINA REX
Don’t worry about what Terry’s doing, I’m sure Serebella has his back. Just keep your eye on that console.
SOUND: FIRING, IMPACT AND ENGINES CONTINUE
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker)
These drones are killing us Captain Rex!
REGINA REX
Hang in there Jonas, we’re working on it! Keep firing on those drones!
SOUND: LOUD METALLIC CLUNK
ASTRID
Warning. AI ship has locked on a tractor beam. The Ching She is currently be pulled towards the AI ship.
REGINA REX
Oh no you didn’t! Son-of-a-bitch!
SOUND: BUTTONS, ENGINES GETTING LOUDER, TRANSITION, MECHANICAL PROCESS BEING FINISHED WITH TOOLS, GUNS FIRING
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
TERRY MENDELSON
(finishing calibration)
There! That should do it. I’m going to take a shot at the AI ship and see what happens.
SEREBELLA REON
Do it!
SOUND: SITTING IN CHAIR, BUTTONS, GUN WARMING UP, FIRING, DISTANT EXPLOSIONS
TERRY MENDELSON
I think I hit it!
SEREBELLA REON
One way to tell - Astrid, status report AI ship shields.
ASTRID
Scanning AI ship shields.
SOUND: SCANNING
ASTRID (CONT'D)
AI ship shield integrity 87%.
TERRY MENDELSON
Hell yeah!
SEREBELLA REON
Captain! Terry had a direct hit on the AI ship, their shields are down
13 percent!
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
Way to go Terry! Set up Serebella’s gun and start wailing on that damn thing! Jonas keep taking out those drones!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker)
You got it Captain Rex! Great job Terry!
TERRY MENDELSON
On it!
SOUND: TRANSITION, GUNS FIRING, OCCASIONAL IMPACT
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
ANKO LUMEN
If that ships pulls us into it with the tractor beam it’s going to start tearing the guts out of the Ching She.
REGINA REX
We can’t run anymore. We need to put our hope on Terry’s gun recalibration plan.
PAT MENDELSON
(under her breath) I wouldn’t count on it.
REGINA REX
What was that Pat?
PAT MENDELSON
Nothing, just clearing my throat.
MADDOX KANE
Actually she said that “I wouldn’t count on it.” I’m guessing she was referencing Terry’s skills.
PAT MENDELSON
(with disdain) Thanks Maddox.
REGINA REX
What do you mean, “I wouldn’t count on it.”?
PAT MENDELSON
Terry’s not always the most reliable person in the world with his skill sets. He’s usually pretty good if it’s something he knows but if he’s experimenting, things can go sideways.
REGINA REX
We’ll just give Terry the benefit of the doubt.
PAT MENDELSON
That’s your call I guess.
REGINA REX
It certainly is. Worry about your
job Pat.
PAT MENDELSON
(under her breath) Whatever.
I’m sorry?
REGINA REX
PAT MENDELSON
Yes, Captain Rex. Whatever you say.
REGINA REX
Uh huh.
SOUND: GUN FIRE, LOUD IMPACT ON THE CHING SHE
PAT MENDELSON
Um, uh, Captain Rex? Shield integrity at 17%.
REGINA REX
What the hell Pat?! You were supposed to tell me when it was below 40!
PAT MENDELSON
It was just above that I swear!
MADDOX KANE
Actually I saw the monitor from here and it dropped to 27% while you were both discussing Terry’s skills.
REGINA REX
Dammit Pat!! You have one job! You are relieved of your duties. Get your ass out of that chair. Maddox, I want you to step in and monitor the shields. Tell me when we get below 10 percent!
PAT MENDELSON
But...
REGINA REX
No buts!! Just do as I say!!
SOUND: GETTING OUT OF CHAIR, FOOTSTEPS, SITTING IN CHAIR
MADDOX KANE
I’m in place captain.
SEREBELLA REON
(over speaker)
Terry’s finished calibrations on my gun. We’re both opening fire now!
SOUND: TRANSITION, GUNS FIRING, VARIOUS IMPACT
INT. CHING SHE STARBOARD GUNS - NIGHT
SEREBELLA REON
Nice shot Terry! We’re pounding the hell out of that ship! Keep it up!
TERRY MENDELSON
(as he’s firing)
This is one of the best times I’ve ever had!
SEREBELLA REON
Ha! Glad you’re enjoying yourself. Astrid - report AI ship shield status every 10 percent!
ASTRID
AI ship shield integrity 30 percent.
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker)
Hurry! The drones aren’t letting up!
SEREBELLA REON
Almost there Jonas!
SOUND: GUNS FIRING AND IMPACT INTESIFYING
ASTRID
AI ship shield integrity 20 percent.
SOUND: FIRING AND IMPACT CONTINUES BUILDING
REGINA REX
(over speaker)
Stay on it! It’s almost got us pulled in!
ASTRID
AI ship shield integrity 10 percent.
SEREBELLA REON
(over intense firing) Ahhhhh!!!!
TERRY MENDELSON
(over intense firing) Ahhhhh!!!!
SOUND: FIRING AND IMPACT REACHING A CRESCENDO, TRANSITION, SILENCE, SHIP ENGINES POWER DIMINSIHING
INT. CHING SHE BRIDGE - NIGHT
REGINA REX
(disoriented)
I think, I think it’s been destroyed. Astrid, AI ship status.
SOUND: SCANNING SOUND
ASTRID
AI ship has been destroyed.
REGINA REX
Yes!!
ANKO LUMEN
(in unison) Excellent!!
REGINA REX
Great job everyone! Serebella, Terry, Jonas... Killer gun work! Terry - amazing work on getting those guns going!
JONAS ALDRIDGE
(over speaker, out of breath)
Thanks Captain.
TERRY MENDELSON
(over speaker) Captain!
REGINA REX
There’s the hero!
TERRY MENDELSON
Send Ursula right away! We were hit! Serebella is down!!
END OF EPISODE
