Episode 14: With Time Against Us
EPISODE 14:
“WITH TIME AGAINST US”
FADE IN
RECAP
COLD OPEN
INT. LAVISH ROOM
The end of JARED'S SPEECH rings out before cutting out, a few DEMONS looking about the area as a DEMON runs into the room, his face full of dread as his eyes are flashing their yellowish green tint. The DEMON comes over towards the back end of the room where CROWLEY, A HIGH LEVEL DEMON sits in his chair, lost in thought as he rubs his chin, clearly agitated by the events that have just happened.
DEMON
BOSS...
CROWLEY
I know.
DEMON
If they are already enacting the CODEX...that means...
CROWLEY
I know what it means...
DEMON
So what are we going to do?
CROWLEY
We are going to sit here, and do nothing.
DEMON
But, sir!
CROWLEY
We can't run anymore. Both sides are coming for me, we just have to hope the ones that don't want us dead show up first.
The DEMONS look scared as CROWLEY takes a deep breath and looks towards the ENTRANCE to his BUILDING as a tension lingers over him.
FADE OUT
OPENING CREDITS
FADE IN
EXT. SYSTEM BUILDING
DREW is already on the scene as TASK FORCES are all about the area, DREW rubbing his head as he gets continuous reports coming from varying locations, of mass protest, riots and even more acts of violence. DREW looking about wearily as he doesn't even hear a voice calling out to him the first few times before he snaps out of his haze and hurries over towards CHARLES and the UNEVENTFUL as they arrived on the scene, DREW and CHARLES shaking hands as DREW leads them over towards the OPERATION BASE POINT, a LARGE TENT surrounded by GUARDS as the TRIO of JERRY, GAVIEL and MULCIBER were already hard at work, with MONITORS and COMPUTERS set up in a semi circular which the three were constantly checking and moving about from.
CHARLES
What the hell is going?
DREW
Our worst nightmare. The SYSTEM is neural linked into every major facet of our lives, communications, tech, transportation, weaponry. The backups are being siphoned as we speak, mostly it seems by the MISFITS who now control the majority of the operating systems still left intact with the shutdown. We've also got various other sources taking their stabs at it, so right now we have the TRIO working on getting us anything we can use and as much control back into our hands as possible, but they had such a head-start that right now we are blind.
COLBY
How are we dealing with the public fare?
DREW
Not being able to coordinate has really hampered our coordination attempts, but LINTON and DAVIEL are using what spare forces we can and a majority of reclaiming units to try and calm the riots and panic, the rest are here setting up roadblocks and a perimeter.
COLBY
I will fall in with one of the groups, see if I can assist LINTON.
DREW
It would be appreciated
COLBY pats CHARLES and heads off as CHARLES watches him go for a moment before turning back to DREW.
SHANE
Can the building be infiltrated?
DREW
We don't expect their forces to exceed forty, but they have the advantage and upper hand right now, with hostages and superior tactical planning.
AUSTIN
That building was filled with ANGELS and DEMONS, most of them MID LEVEL at the least, how could they not fend off a makeshift paramilitary unit made up mostly UNDEAD?
DREW
Those ANGELS and DEMONS haven't held a flaming sword of vengeance or a weapon of darkness in eons boy, clerical and filing, fringe resource workers, soldier's they're not.
EMMA
Forty people don't seem like a bad number.
DREW
Like I said right now they have eyes and ears, we don't, until we get something, anything, we have nothing. Cells, and shortwaves are being monitored and tracked by them right now, so they're no good to us, they've disabled all power to any weapons that were registered under the SYSTEM, so unless we have black market we...
NIKKI
I have that covered.
CHARLES
Go, bring back everything you can.
NIKKI hurries off as DREW gives CHARLES an eyebrow, CHARLES shrugging as DREW shakes it off.
DREW
I know I should say something, but I know better, so I ain't going to do it.
CHARLES
Good ploy.
ANTHONY
What do we know about the CODEX? Can we reverse what happened?
GAVIEL
That's a bit tricky.
The GROUP looked over at the TRIO as they were speaking but not looking away from the screens.
GAVIEL
See the CODEX was believed to be a fool proof fail safe because HIGH LEVEL DEMONS and ANGELS feared the SYSTEM becoming to sentient and perhaps to dangerous to be left unchecked, but as more and more HIGH LEVEL DEMONS and ANGELS became one with the SYSTEM, or left to return back to HEAVEN or HELL in general, they decided that the SYSTEM was stable and conscious enough to follow the given path and decided to split it.
CHARLES
We know all of this already. How do we destroy it?
MULCIBER
The Device was made to never be destroyed, therefore it can't be.
EMMA
Well that's just fucking great.
JERRY
However, it can be reversed, with the discharge of such ethereal force, it would take months, to years for it to be used again should you reverse it.
EMMA
How do we do that?
GAVIEL
First you have to find the device, and the network it's hooked up too...
JERRY
Which we're currently trying to do.
GAVIEL
However, the DEVICE can only be activated and deactivated by a master code, a master code that only the HIGH RANKING ANGELS and DEMONS of it's time have.
SHANE
Then how the hell did the MISFITS get a hold of the code?
DREW
That we're hoping to find out. All HIGH RANKING DEMONS and ANGELS from the time of the OCCUPATION WAR are either part of the SYSTEM itself, or gone, and without our means to communicate, we can't call either heaven or hell for back up.
AUSTIN
So what the hell are we supposed to do?
CHARLES seems to be taking it all in as he shakes his head.
CHARLES
That son of a bitch...
DREW
Got something?
CHARLES
I think I know someone who can help us, or at the very least, someone we can pin the blame on.
DREW
Care to indulge.
CHARLES
Not until I know for sure. EMMA.
EMMA
Yes?
CHARLES
Take this...
CHARLES pulls his cell phone out and hands it to her.
CHARLES
I'm going to have GAVIEL put a track on my phone, you get to the last place we saw our DEMONIC friend...
CHARLES emphasizes this as EMMA nods that she understands.
CHARLES
And you call him, I'll have them triangulate the signal and you go and get him, and you bring him back here.
EMMA
I got it.
CHARLES
GAVIEL?
GAVIEL
Already setting up the trace, however you do understand that they can trace your call and do the same exact thing, we don't have secure connections.
CHARLES
It's a risk we have to take, if you can muster anything to block the signal we advise you do it once she places the call.
JERRY
We'll see what we can muster.
DREW
I've got CHARSOC'S former ALPHA UNIT on their way, they're going to help us prepare the rescue.
CHARLES
Good, we could use them. ANTHONY, you're with EMMA.
ANTHONY
Boss...
CHARLES
You make sure she's safe, am I understood?
ANTHONY
You know it.
CHARLES
Don't abandon her...
ANTHONY
I never would.
CHARLES
Go.
ANTHONY follows after EMMA as EMMA waits for him for a moment before she hurries off with purpose, bobbing through the crowd as ANTHONY sticks close by, a bit apprehensive.
CHARLES
SHANE, AUSTIN, when NIKKI gets back you three are my guys when we go in there, we are going in there to do one thing and one thing only. Kill every single one of them.
AUSTIN
That's what I'm talking about.
SHANE
What about TERESA?
CHARLES
Let me worry about her, you just focus up on what has to be done.
SHANE looks UNsure as CHARLES'S intensity comes off strong as AUSTIN seems to be okay with it as he crosses his arms and smirks.
INT. SYSTEM BUILDING-UPPER FLOOR
TERESA stirs as she rubs her head and looks about to see her in the middle of the room along with the rest of her colleagues as TERESA notices BENJAMIN going about the room, talking to a few of them before he notices TERESA stir, BENJAMIN coming over to her quickly as he touches her head and looks over her.
BENJAMIN
TERESA, TERESA are you okay?
TERESA
Yeah.
BENJAMIN
How do you feel...
TERESA
What's going on?
BENJAMIN looks about before speaking as TERESA still looks a bit disoriented.
BENJAMIN
We got hit, TERESA. Terrorist cells call themselves the MISFITS.
TERESA
Those guys attacked us?
BENJAMIN
Didn't just attack us, they...they found a way to activate the CODEX that your team tried to stop them from obtaining not too long ago.
TERESA
How did they assemble the device so soon?
BENJAMIN
We don't know, but the SYSTEM is...gone.
TERESA
Lord...
BENJAMIN
The FRINGE is blind, complete panic from what I heard.
TERESA
How's it looking out there?
BENJAMIN
Seems like DREW and the others are working about as well as they could given the complete shutdown. I think they'll mount a rescue soon, so we just need to hold out until then.
TERESA
How many are on our floor?
BENJAMIN
None, but before they shut the system down they completely hacked into our main grid, they control the majority of communication, camera systems, and all the codes to the weapons and financial grids within the FRINGE. As well as complete control of the building.
BENJAMIN motions towards the CAMERA in the left corner and the other CAMERA adjacent from it in on the left end, TERESA watching as it the CAMERA'S were surveying the area that had all the workers hurdled in.
BENJAMIN
They're watching, anything we do they'll see.
TERESA
What are we going to do?
BENJAMIN
Nothing for now.
TERESA
We have to do something.
BENJAMIN
We have no hand to play right now, until we do, we are sitting put.
TERESA looks away from BENJAMIN as BENJAMIN nods and heads back to check on the others as TERESA watches one of the CAMERA'S carefully.
INT. SYSTEM BUILDING-HUB
BELPHAGOR looks at the DOZENS of monitors carefully with his one good eye, BELPHEGOR still flanked by his TWO PERSONAL COMMANDOS as he watches the remaining COMMANDO'S patrolling the other area's as BELPHAGOR pushes his ear piece in.
BELPHEGOR
CASSIE, how is looking outside.
INT. ADJACENT BUILDING
CASSIE switches the CAMERA feeds to outside, BELPHEGOR looking at the perimeter being blocked off from all around as CASSIE was flanked by FOUR COMMANDO'S who were watching the only entrance into the BUILDING.
CASSIE
They're formalizing rather well.
BELPHEGOR
(O.S.)
Anything on the radios, cells?
CASSIE
Short bursts, coded orders, stuff that JARED already told us about, nothing that jumps out, but each and every call gets screened you know that.
BELPHEGOR
(O.S.)
If they're mounting a rescue attempt we need to be on top of that, we know it's coming, and I don't want to end up like GAVIN.
CASSIE
I've got your back, BELPHEGOR. How are we doing on the...
BELPHEGOR
No need to worry your head about that, we're going floor by floor. It's all being taken care of.
CASSIE
Alright.
INT. SYSTEM BUILDING-HUB
BELPHEGOR watches as the MONITORS switch back to inside the BUILDING, BELPHEGOR watching as on a undisclosed floor, the COMMANDO'S are executing the ANGELS and DEMONS without mercy, BELPHEGOR smirking to himself as he watches the slaughter unfold in front of him.
EXT. SYSTEM BUILDING
NIKKI returns carrying a large DUFFLE bag full of WEAPONS as she sets it down beside her feet as she comes up next to SHANE, SHANE looking at her as DREW and CHARLES were talking amongst themselves with the TRIO as AUSTIN was talking to some FEMALE UNDEAD RECLAIMERS as NIKKI looks about at all the craziness around them.
NIKKI
You used to hear stories about this...
SHANE
Come again?
NIKKI
It's like a horror story, SHANE. People talk all the time about what would happen if the SYSTEM failed, if it went down. But everybody knew that it couldn't, so it was just a story. Just an idea. Now it's a reality. If you thought things were bad before...you just wait.
SHANE
We'll get the device shut down.
CHARLES
That won't matter.
SHANE looks at CHARLES as CHARLES and DREW come over, DREW motioning for the bag of weapons as NIKKI nods and allows him to take it into the middle of them room as some men open it up and spread the weapons out on the table.
SHANE
Why do you say that?
CHARLES
JERRY and MULCIBER tell me that the SYSTEM will come back on if we shut the device down, but just like the CODEX would need a large amount of time to recharge, the same goes for the SYSTEM. The longer that this CODEX is on, the longer it'll take for the SYSTEM to return.
SHANE
How long are we thinking about here?
GAVIEL
Well it varies...
JERRY
Early estimates suggest that if we were to stop it right now at this moment, it could take anywhere between six weeks, and nine months.
SHANE
So we're looking at a substantial amount of time with no central power, or quote un quote government in charge. The hell is going to be done about that?
CHARLES
Nothing we're quite ready to discuss just yet, first we need to get some of these ducks in a row, and a lot of that stems from liberating that building, and getting someone to turn the damn CODEX off.
SHANE
Who do we know that can do that?
CHARLES
Someone I wasn't hoping to see again.
SHANE
That being?
CHARLES
CROWLEY.
NIKKI
What makes you think he even knows...
CHARLES
He knew everything there was about the CODEX, not to mention he's one of the only if not the only ANGEL and or DEMON still left in the FRINGE from the days of the OCCUPATION WAR.
SHANE
What about AZRAEL?
CHARLES
What about him?
SHANE
Wasn't he around?
CHARLES
He was excommunicated prior to the war ending, he wouldn't have a CODE, though I have no doubt he knows a lot about it.
SHANE
So we're counting on EMMA finding and bringing CROWLEY here to give us the code to turn the CODEX off, but there's still a problem, we don't even know where the hell the CODEX is?
GAVIEL
It's close.
NIKKI
How do you know?
JERRY
In order for such a device to have an absolute devastating effect the closer it is to the proximity of it's target the better and stronger it's hold and link will be. We estimate the device is close, by within ten to fifteen miles.
SHANE
Shouldn't we start scouting and checking the buildings?
CHARLES
We can't they...
SHANE
Oh yeah, never mind I just remembered, they got the eyes and ears everywhere.
CHARLES
(to TRIO)
How are we doing on that by the way?
GAVIEL
We are shifting through more data then we really can comprehend, there is a lot that the SYSTEM stores, and a lot that is gone and a lot that has been staked by others, over throwing and getting absolute control over these systems will take some time.
CHARLES
Time is against us, GAVIEL.
GAVIEL
I understand.
DREW
Our priority needs to be eyes inside that building, and a jamming on CHARLES'S phone once the call is made, everything else can be secondary.
NIKKI
Don't you think finding the DEVICE that is harnessing the CODEX is more president?
DREW
We gotta find CROWLEY first, then get a plan formalized to save our people inside before we can even really attempt anything on the CODEX, everything layers, but the success or failure of that plan depends on what layers you go for first. Please, trust me.
NIKKI
Like I have a say.
CHRISTIAN
Everyone has a say, it just needs to be constructive.
NIKKI looks over as CHRISTIAN and three other well built RECLAIMER'S stroll up to the OPERATIONS TENT, CHARLES shaking CHRISTIAN'S hand as CHRISTIAN gives him a wry look, CHARLES taken note of it as CHRISTIAN turns to SHANE, extending a hand as SHANE takes it as CHRISTIAN notices AUSTIN spot them, AUSTIN excusing himself as he hurries over towards them.
CHRISTIAN
Ready to wreak some havoc?
SHANE
I think enough of that has happened already.
CHRISTIAN
To the wrong people, time we turn it on their heads.
SHANE
Now that I can agree with.
CHARLES
CHRISTIAN, what have you been hearing from BENJAMIN?
CHRISTIAN
Nothing, we believe BEN is still inside, which...bad for us on a technical standpoint, but good for the people inside, he'll keep them calm.
CHARLES
I have no doubt. Glad you're here, we were getting ready to discuss any possible sieges...
GAVIEL
You guys...you may want to come and see this.
CHARLES and CHRISTIAN hurry over as AUSTIN comes over to NIKKI who follows behind SHANE as the others huddle around as GAVIEL brings up the SCREENS that were showcasing the inside of the SYSTEM BUILDING.
NIKKI
Is that inside the building?
GAVIEL
We've been able to hijack the camera feeds, nothing we can do but observe...
MULCIBER
But we are working on re establishing control...
GAVIEL
But...look at what's happening on the fifth floor.
GAVIEL brings it up as the others watch in horror as the COMMANDO'S are now executing the ANGELS and DEMONS on that floor.
CHARLES walks away as CHRISTIAN and AUSTIN watch on with the stoic expression, DREW looking away after a moment as NIKKI and SHANE were still looking on with horrified expressions.
GAVIEL
I checked the feeds for the first four floors and...it's the same thing, sixth and onward is clear...
DREW
Goddamnit we're not ready to go in there!
CHRISTIAN
BENJAMIN and the rest of the OVERSEER'S?
JERRY
Top floor, fifteenth.
DREW
When they reach the sixth floor starting from now you time out the intervals, let us know what we're working with.
NIKKI
You can't be seriously thinking about letting them die?!
DREW
We can't save them all, but we need to know how long we have between the intervals so we can get in there and save as many as we can! CHRISTIAN, I want your team doing recon around the building right now, CHARLES...CHARLES!
DREW hurries over towards CHARLES as CHARLES looks despondent as DREW grabs him.
DREW
I need your head in this right now...I know you care about TERESA...but you need to keep it together...I can't have you going in there without focus. CHARLES!
CHARLES looks directly into his eyes as DREW nods and pats him on the shoulders.
DREW
Get your head on...and help me stop these sons of bitches.
CHARLES nods as DREW smirks and heads off, CHARLES looking about as CHRISTIAN and his group gear up with NIKKI'S weapons, CHARLES coming over as NIKKI and SHANE come up to him.
CHARLES
Gear up.
The TWO nod as they head off and begin to prepare for the assault.
INT. MISFIT HIDEOUT
LYDIA storms into an OFFICE as JARED sits staring at MONITORS, watching as the forces outside of the SYSTEM BUILDING were beginning to mobilize more.
LYDIA
Why haven't you found CROWLEY yet?!
JARED
Because your Intel on his current location was false, it seems he knew you were bound to betray him at one point, or he was just naturally paranoid, as most DEMONS are.
LYDIA
It is not my fault that you failed to keep proper tabs on him after I gave you his location.
JARED
Relax, we'll find him soon enough.
LYDIA
The forces are coordinating better than we expected, if they are able to take back that building...or god forbid shut the CODEX down the wrath that will befall the both of us..
JARED
I didn't know you cared so much about what happens to me.
LYDIA
I don't...I'm just merely stating that whatever happens as a result of any failure will ultimately fall on both of our heads.
JARED
Don't fret. If you like, you can lead the search expedition in finding CROWLEY.
LYDIA
While you do what?
JARED
Provide my men the best chance of surviving what's about to happen.
LYDIA
We are playing a dangerous game...
JARED
We are in control of the SYSTEM.
LYDIA
For how long?!
JARED
As long as it takes. This fight has just begun, LYDIA. No time to panic.
LYDIA sneers and heads out as JARED looks to see CHARLES come out of the TENT, DREW coming up to him a few moments later as JARED shakes his head.
JARED
How you stayed married to her I will never know...but I commend you for it.
JARED chuckles to himself as he goes back to watching everything on the screens in front of him.
INT. ANTHONY'S CAR
ANTHONY pulls up to the BUILDING where EMMA and CHARLES had last visited CROWLEY, EMMA pulling CHARLES'S PHONE out as she scrolls down to his name and hesitates a moment before calling him, ANTHONY watching her carefully as he scans about the area as EMMA presses enter.
EXT. SYSTEM BUILDING
GAVIEL perks up as he isolates a strand, GAVIEL snapping at JERRY as JERRY calls the others over as GAVIEL brings a SCREEN up.
GAVIEL
She's making the call.
DREW
Is the line secure?
GAVIEL
As secure as we could get it, the jamming signal is weak but it should hold.
DREW
Good.
INT. ADJACENT BUILDING
CASSIE perks up as she notices a call suddenly drop out of the screening menu, CASSIE quickly typing up and searching for it as she finds the screen that had encryption locks on it, CASSIE shaking her head as she GHOUL enters a master code that overrides the screen, CASSIE listening into the call as GAVIEL and the others were doing the same.
INT. ANTHONY'S CAR
EMMA gets four rings before the phone answers.
CROWLEY
The shit hits the fan, and you sure take your sweet ass time to call me.
EMMA
Nice to hear from you too.
CROWLEY
Who is this?!
EMMA
We've met before with CHARLES...
CROWLEY
One of his little gal pal RECLAIMER'S that's all good and all, but when I get a call from CHARLES I expect to hear from CHARLES, now sugar tits, be a doll and put him on the phone.
EMMA
He's got other plans, but me and you are going to get acquainted again, where are you?
CROWLEY
I don't have time to be playing games.
EMMA
And I don't either CROWLEY...
INT. ADJACENT BUILDING
CASSIE perks up as she hears CROWLEY'S name, CASSIE quickly typing it up and swipes the SCREEN into a file, JARED suddenly seeing it as the conversation was playing out for him to hear as well, CASSIE listening closely as they continued to speak.
EMMA
(O.S.)
So stop dicking me about and tell me where the hell you are!
CROWLEY
I like your gruff girl. Where are you?
INT. ANTHONY'S CAR
EMMA looks about as she verifies her location.
EMMA
Outside the last hideout of yours we had to find.
CROWLEY
As good a place to start as any, I'm sure your people are tracking this phone call, and using the location off my cell to find me.
EMMA
You could just tell me.
CROWLEY
I could also be giving the same information to the other side of the coin who wants me just as badly, so I say I'm doing myself a service by keeping it neutral.
EMMA
Fine. Don't go anywhere I will personally jam my foot into your piss hole.
CROWLEY
Lovely image.
EMMA hangs up.
EXT. SYSTEM BUILDING
MULCIBER brings up a location and sends it to CHARLES'S NUMBER, CHARLES nodding as he comes up to DREW.
CHARLES
She'll get him here, now we have to do what we have to do.
DREW
In time...
CHARLES
We don't have time!
DREW
I'm aware, let CHRISTIAN get back with his recon and we can begin a final formalization.
CHARLES sneers as he walks off DREW looking concerned as SHANE comes over to CHARLES.
SHANE
I wanna get in there just as badly...
CHARLES
I don't think you do, SHANE...
SHANE
You gotta be level, man.
CHARLES
Just be ready.
CHARLES walks away from SHANE as SHANE looks lost on what to say or do.
INT. ANTHONY'S CAR
ANTHONY starts the CAR as EMMA reads the LOCATION and shows it to ANTHONY, EMMA putting the phone away as ANTHONY hurries out of sight.
INT. ADJACENT BUILDING
CASSIE has the same location screen up and sends the file to JARED, who has it pop up on his monitors.
CASSIE
Sir...we found him.
JARED
(O.S.)
Excellent work CASSIE, send it to the search party and make sure LYDIA gets it as well. The heat is going to be going in soon, you better get ready for EXTRACTION.
CASSIE
What of the CODEX sir?
JARED
(O.S.)
It's served its usefulness.
CASSIE
Boss...
JARED
(O.S.)
I have already gotten the okay, leave it. I need you here.
CASSIE
And what of BELPHEGOR?
JARED
(O.S.)
If he is smart he will find a way to survive...and if he doesn't...no real loss.
CASSIE
What...should I tell him...?
JARED
(O.S.)
Tell him to expedite the cleansing process, and to meet at the rendezvous point. And make sure the camera's stay on the inside of the building, at least we can give him a bit of a fighting chance.
CASSIE
Yes, sir.
CASSIE turns the screen off as she pushes her ear piece in.
CASSIE
BELPHEGOR, it's CASSIE.
BELPHEGOR
(O.S.)
Go ahead, CASSIE.
CASSIE
JARED said to begin expediting the executions, and to prepare your team to get out of there, to the rendezvous point.
BELPHEGOR
(O.S.)
That's what I like to hear, alright we'll step it up, hang in there CASSIE.
CASSIE
I will...good luck, BELPHEGOR.
BELPHEGOR
(O.S.)
Like I need it.
CASSIE pushes the earpiece in as she looks defeated, CASSIE enters a code into the computer before she gets up and walks away, walking past the COMMANDO'S as she heads for the DOOR.
CASSIE
Time to go.
CASSIE exits the building as the FOUR guards say nothing and follow suit.
EXT. SYSTEM BUILDING
the TRIO perk up as suddenly the screen changes drastically, MULCIBER calling out in shock as the others come over as the THREE are typing frantically.
DREW
What happened?!
JERRY
The CODEX just popped up on our screen, location coming in now...
DREW
What the hell is going on?
GAVIEL
Whatever encryption was blocking it just turned off, got it! It's in the adjacent building to the left of the SYSTEM BUILDING.
DREW
Alright people I want a squad there right now, on the double! I want that building squared off until we can get CROWLEY here to deactivate the goddamn thing...
CHARLES
But we don't even know for sure if he even has a deactivation code, and trust me If I know CROWLEY, he won't do it for free.
DREW
We'll deal with the scumbag later, did we get anything else?
JERRY
No, they still have absolute control over the remaining operating systems, though we feel we're making headway...
DREW
Well hurry the fuck up we're losing more time then we can afford!
GAVIEL
DREW...They've started executing again...sixth, seventh, and now eighth floor.
DREW
What?
CHARLES
Goddamnit!
GAVIEL
They split into three units and took a floor each, they're expediting the executions...
DREW
We're out of time...
CHRISTIAN appears with some of his men as CHRISTIAN looks at the monitors.
CHRISTIAN
No one is patrolling the lower levels, however we know they have all the camera's operating inside to benefit them, any siege is going to be tricky because we have no cover.
CHARLES
Fuck the cover, we need to get in there now!
CHRISTIAN
All for that.
DREW
Goddamnit...
CHARLES
We have a chance to save more floors this way, we need to get in there now, they don't know we have the firepower we have, and this is about as good a shot as we have.
DREW
You're right. Two teams, ALPHA unit will be CHARLES two of his men, and CHRISTIAN, your job is tasked with getting in there and stopping those goddamn killers, BRAVO unit will be lead by myself, one of yours CHARLES and the rest of CHRISTIAN'S ALPHA unit will go in to the upper floors and try and get everyone out while you engage the enemy, I'll have relieve forces CHARLIE and DELTA secure the front and an ECHO unit to extract the hostages. We have a plan, let's move on it!
CHARLES looks at NIKKI and nods to her, NIKKI nodding back as she grabs her favorite SHOTGUN and follows DREW and the other RECLAIMER'S as SHANE grabs TWO PISTOLS and AUSTIN takes a MACHINE GUN, CHRISTIAN strapped up with a few SMGS and a PISTOL as he also has a ANGELIC BLADE as CHARLES puts his vest on and has his TWO MACHETE'S in their holder as he marches towards the front of the BUILDING with SHANE, AUSTIN and CHRISTIN close by, the FOUR not saying a word as they ENTER the SYSTEM BUILDING without a hesitation.
EXT. CROWLEY'S HIDEOUT
ANTHONY pulls up as EMMA quickly jumps out, ANTHONY quickly unbuckling to follow her as she heads inside without waiting, ANTHONY looking about quickly before following as he doesn't notice an ARMORED VAN pull up around the same time as they did.
INT. CROWLEY'S HIDEOUT
EMMA and ANTHONY walk in and are immediately grabbed by TWO DEMONS as they raise their weapons, AXE'S and black market PISTOLS at them as CROWLEY smirks and claps as EMMA looks about.
EMMA
What the fuck is this?!
CROWLEY
Insurance.
EMMA
For what?
CROWLEY
For helping you turn off the CODEX, what other reason would there be?
EMMA
You think keeping me as a hostage is going to get you what you want?
CROWLEY
Not keeping you as a hostage, doll.
The DEMONS let go of them as EMMA pushes one off of her as ANTHONY looks about clearly intimidated as CROWLEY stands from his chair and comes down towards them.
CROWLEY
There is something I want in return for my services.
EMMA
of course you do, but we don't have time to be waiting around here, you said so yourself that others are after you.
CROWLEY
Yes yes, but business takes the president over all things.
EMMA
Goddamn you're an idiot.
CROWLEY
Feisty. I can see why all the boys love you...
CROWLEY looks at ANTHONY.
CROWLEY
Isn't that right?
ANTHONY looks away as EMMA snaps her fingers in front of CROWLEY'S FACE, CROWLEY looking at her a bit angered as she gets into his face.
EMMA
I don't have time for you to playing these fucking games.
CROWLEY
You know that whole bit with your fingers just now was very, very rude.
EMMA
I don't give a fuck! What do you want!?
CROWLEY
Immunity, over my past transgressions.
EMMA
How the fuck do you plan on getting that?
CROWLEY
There is no SYSTEM, not for some time that is, in their absence a form of government will have to be enacted to add stability to a world that will slowly begin to crack under its own lawlessness. Now the two parties that will vie for that power will have quite a battle on their hands, but seeing how one party I believe is going to kill me regardless, I believe my best chance of survival is to ensure I back the yet to be formed one. But in order for that to happen, you need what I have, and my immunity is my requirement.
EMMA
You got it.
CROWLEY
I like your moxie, of course you have no real say in that happening, but I am counting on you being perhaps a good material witness, and vouching for ole' CROWLEY once the time comes, yeah?
EMMA
I said yes.
CROWLEY
Terrific, now, if you don't mind, I say we should be...
CROWLEY notices something behind EMMA and quickly shoves her down as he jumps to the side as suddenly COMMANDO'S appear and begin firing, ANTHONY moving to the side as a few of CROWLEY'S DEMONS are shredded to ribbons from intense gunfire as CROWLEY watches his DEMONS fall over, CROWLEY sneering as a COMMANDO hurries over and grabs CROWLEY by the shirt collar but EMMA kicks his leg out from under him, the COMMANDO falling over as she pulls a BLADE and stabs both of his eyes, the COMMANDO screaming as his soul disperses as the other COMMANDO'S begin firing at her, EMMA grabbing the MACHINE GUN left by the dead COMMANDO as she grabs CROWLEY and moves him to the other side of the wall as ANTHONY was with the other remaining DEMONS who were trading off shots.
CROWLEY
Perhaps we could have had the conversation in the car...
EMMA
You think!
EMMA fires blindly around the corner, hitting one a few times in the chest as a DEMON then takes him out with a few more shoots to the chest as he falls over before a COMMANDO rushes forward with super speed, EMMA watching as the VAMPIRE COMMANDO grabs CROWLEY and tosses him across the room before slapping EMMA hard across the face, her body hitting the wall so hard it imprints as ANTHONY see's this and runs quickly across the room, ducking the gunfire as the VAMPIRE stalks towards CROWLEY who was recovering from being thrown as ANTHONY checks on EMMA who stirs as ANTHONY grabs the MACHINE GUN and whistles, the VAMPIRE turning to him as ANTHONY empties the cartridge into its heart, face and chest.
The VAMPIRE falls over dead as EMMA stands and rubs her head, taking the MACHINE GUN from ANTHONY as she sees that it is now recharging.
EMMA
Save some rounds next time, yeah?
ANTHONY
Oh...yeah, sorry...
EMMA
Thanks tho, I owe you one.
ANTHONY smirks as EMMA goes over to CROWLEY as he watches the COMMANDOS take the last of his DEMONS out, CROWLEY sneering as EMMA helps him up but he pushes himself off of her, CROWLEY walking into the middle of the room as EMMA goes to stop him but ANTHONY pulls her back as they opened fire at him, CROWLEY throwing a hand up as the rounds stop before they hit him, the COMMANDO'S seemingly caught off guard as CROWLEY throws his hand forward before raising it up, EMMA and ANTHONY watching as the FOUR COMMANDO'S are lifted up a few feet off of the ground before EXPLODING into NOTHINGNESS as CROWLEY clenched his fist.
CROWLEY looks suddenly lightheaded as he drops to a knee, EMMA going to him as ANTHONY hurries over and grabs TWO of the MACHINE GUNS as CROWLEY looks up at EMMA with bloodshot eyes.
CROWLEY
Should have stayed in shape...
EMMA
You crazy bastard, we need to go.
CROWLEY
no arguments here.
EMMA helps CROWLEY up as ANTHONY aims the MACHINE GUNS and walks ahead, EMMA and CROWLEY close behind.
EXT. CROWLEY'S HIDEOUT
EMMA helps CROWLEY into the back of ANTHONY'S car as ANTHONY gets into the back with him, EMMA taking the wheel as EMMA notices another VEHICLE pull around the corner, the CAR suddenly speeding up as EMMA steps on the gas, ANTHONY not expecting the sudden torque as EMMA guns it down the street.
INT. SYSTEM BUILDING-HUB
BELPHEGOR watches as CHARLES and the other THREE begin up the elevators to the sixth floor, BELPHEGOR smirking as he notices DREW and NIKKI'S team heading up the stairs to the NINTH.
BELPHEGOR
CASSIE...We have company.
BELPHEGOR waits for a reply but gets none as BELPHEGOR looks a bit frazzled.
BELPHEGOR
CASSIE? CASSIE!? Fuck!
BELPHAGOR looks about angrily as he shakes his head in disbelief.
BELPHEGOR
They wouldn't...they wouldn't..!
BELPHAGOR slams his fist into a monitor as he screams, BELPHEGOR pushing in another ear com as he screams.
BELPHEGOR
Gentlemen, we are on our own. We have a team coming up to the sixth floor, and a team making its way to the ninth, do whatever you have to do, kill everyone.
BELPHEGOR takes the ear piece out and sneers as he grabs his pistol and BATTLE AXE and opens the door that leads into the HALL, BELPHEGOR leaving the DOOR open as he storms off to join the battle.
INT. SYSTEM BUILDING-SIXTH FLOOR
EIGHT COMMANDO'S run over to the ELEVATOR doors as they aim at it as they can hear the ELEVATOR coming up, only a handful of ANGELS and DEMONS still alive on the floor as the ELEVATOR comes to a stop and the EIGHT begin unloading rounds into the ELEVATOR for a full minute before stopping, the EIGHT waiting a few moments before listening as the DOORS ding open, and reveal no one was inside.
From the stairways that lead up from the FIFTH FLOOR, CHARLES appears to the right of the far left COMMANDO, swiping with one of his MACHETE'S as he cut his head off as SHANE opens fire and hits the nearest one from the decapitated COMMANDO twice in both eyes as the others turn and fire, CHARLES AND SHANE diving into a nearby cubicle as the SIX COMMANDO'S open fire on them but as they fire they hear their charge packs die and the rounds cease to fire, the COMMANDO'S looking concerned immediately as SHANE rolls out and fires from his side, hitting a COMMANDO in both eyes but nothing happens, as the COMMANDO storms towards SHANE but as he does CHARLES suddenly jumps up and screaming CHARLES severs his head. SHANE watching as the COMMANDO'S try to switch weapons but CHARLES knocks one to the side and stabs him through his head, the BLADE destroying both eyes at the same which blows his soul out of his body as he then cuts another's hands completely off of his body, SHANE taking the chance and fires twice, hitting him in the eyes and killing him.
CHARLES decapitates the third to last as SHANE stands and aims at the other TWO but CHARLES gets in his way as he knees one in the chest and pushes the other off him, CHARLES noticing the fangs on the one he knee and not wasting time he decapitates the VAMPIRE before he impales the MACHETE through the last COMMANDO'S CHEST, the COMMANDO screaming in pain as CHARLES pulls the MACHETE out and cuts the top part of his head off right above the bridge of his nose.
SHANE looks at CHARLES with concern as CHARLES breathes loudly as he is splashed with blood, CHARLES turning as he walks straight by SHANE.
CHARLES
Get to the top floor and make sure, TERESA and the others are okay...
SHANE
CHARLES...
CHARLES
I'll be fine.
CHARLES hurries up the stairs as SHANE looks at the carnage around him and shakes a bit in shock.
INT. SYSTEM'S BUILDING-SEVENTH FLOOR
AUSTIN and CHRISTIAN handle the last two remaining COMMANDO'S virtually at the same time, AUSTIN snapping one's arm in two before stripping the PISTOL out of his hand and plugs two rounds into his skull as CHRISTIAN had judo flipped the last one and stabbed the ANGELIC BLADE into the back of his head as he landed.
AUSTIN and CHRISTIAN look at each other as their eight were now dead as well.
AUSTIN
I got five.
CHRISTIAN
Only cuz you were the first in the room.
AUSTIN
Check the other floors, I'll look them over and meet you.
AUSTIN heads over to the surviving members of the ANGELS and DEMONS as CHRISTIAN smirks and heads out.
INT. SYSTEM BUILDING- 13TH FLOOR
DREW watches as NIKKI checks on everybody as DREW nods.
DREW
Alright this floor is clear, that's four floors, and two left.
NIKKI
The sixth, seventh, and eighth floor had the predominant numbers, we shouldn't run into any other opposition as long as they took care of their end.
DREW
I spotted CHARLIE and DELTA unit moving the last two floor hostages out of the building, so let's hurry to fourteen and secure that so ECHO can assist CHARLES and the others to fifteen.
NIKKI nods as she comes up with DREW behind the ALPHA RECLAIMER'S who open the door to head up to the fourteenth floor but as they do, one of their head's comes off with a vicious swipe as BELPHEGOR kicks the body into NIKKI knocking her over as DREW goes to open fire but BELPHEGOR throws an ALPHA RECLAIMER into the way, DREW hesitating as BELPHEGOR cuts the other ALPHA RECLAIMER'S HEAD OFF before he plugs two rounds into the last one's eyes, DREW taking aim of BELPHEGOR'S only good eye but BELPHEGOR tosses his BATTLE AXE, DREW hitting the far wall as BELPHEGOR'S AXE stick into his chest, DREW screaming as BELPHEGOR walks over and steps on his BATTLE AXE driving the AXE deeper into DREW'S CHEST, DREW screaming as suddenly NIKKI runs up and knees BELPHEGOR in the back with a charging knee strike, BELPHEGOR hitting the far wall as he stumbles forward as NIKKI begins opening fire from her SHOTGUN which BELPHEGOR wisely runs from as he bursts through a nearby wall, BELPHEGOR hurrying away as NIKKI steps forward and fires at him a few times before he is out of her sight, NIKKI stopping herself from following as she hurries back to DREW, who was spitting up blood as the BATTLE AXE was a good three inches into his chest, near where his heart would be.
INT. SYSTEM BUILDING-TOP FLOOR
TERESA stands as everyone was huddled together as the sounds of gunfire had been going on for a few moments, BENJAMIN standing guard as TERESA is tense as suddenly the DOORS leading from the stairway open quickly, SHANE quickly throwing his hands up as he was still holding his PISTOLS, TERESA looking relieved as she hurries over to SHANE as SHANE moves out of the way as ANGELS and DEMONS hurry out.
SHANE
Go go! Back exit, far left, stay to the left do not go down the stairs that lead down into the building, an extraction team is waiting for you guys, go!
BENJAMIN
What is happening?
SHANE
Get down and find out for yourself sir, we're handling it.
TERESA
Where are the others, CHARLES?
SHANE
We're going by floor, doing what we can.
BENJAMIN
Sounds...look out!
BENJAMIN moves SHANE to the side as BELPHEGOR misses his strike as SHANE looks at the hulking one eyed DEMON and gives him the same look.
BELPHEGOR
I really do hate seeing your face.
SHANE
Get out of here!
TERESA hesitates but BENJAMIN grabs her as she watches as BELPHEGOR goes to strike at SHANE again, SHANE blocking and lands a counter punch but BELPHEGOR shrugs it off and hits SHANE in the chest, SHANE reeling as BELPHEGOR doesn't waste any time and elbows SHANE in the back of the head, SHANE hitting the ground hard as BELPHEGOR pulls SHANE up and tosses him across the ROOM, SHANE landing hard as he crashes into some desks.
BELPHEGOR
They may have left me to die, abandoned me, but at least I get to take you with me!
SHANE spits up some blood as BELPHEGOR knocks some cubicle walls over as he stomps over towards SHANE, SHANE quickly turning as he goes to fire a round into BELPHEGOR'S LAST EYE but BELPHEGOR catches his wrist and squeezing with all his might he snaps SHANE'S WRIST IN TWO, SHANE screaming as his hand limply lets go of the PISTOL as BELPHEGOR tosses SHANE by his wrist back toward the middle of the room, SHANE reeling as BELPHEGOR comes over and steps on SHANE'S BROKEN WRIST, SHANE screaming as BELPHEGOR laughs.
BELPHEGOR
Too bad I left my AXE in that other one's chest, this would have been a good time to embed it into your skull while I pull your eyes from your skull and crush them in my bare hand...but I'll have to be creative some other way...
BELPHEGOR turns as CHRISTIAN suddenly appears and kicks BELPHEGOR in the side of the head, BELPHEGOR knocked away from SHANE as SHANE turns onto his back as CHRISTIAN stands next to SHANE, holding a hand to him as SHANE takes it and pulls himself up as BELPHEGOR shakes the kick off and looks at CHRISTIAN with a sneering glare.
BELPHEGOR
You wanna go, okay, gimme your best.
CHRISTIAN
(To SHANE)
You might wanna sit this one out?
SHANE
That asshole broke my wrist, and I'll be damned If I let him out of here alive.
CHRISTIAN
That's what I like to hear.
BELPHEGOR charges them as CHRISTIAN and SHANE brace themselves for it.
INT. SYSTEM BUILDING-STAIRWELL
TERESA and BENJAMIN reach the ninth floor but TERESA stops as she hears something from the EIGHTH, TERESA going towards it as BENJAMIN goes to grab her but she shrugs him off as she opens the door that leads into the EIGHTH FLOOR and steps aside quickly as a MISFIT COMMANDO SUDDENLY STORMS OUT, TERESA screaming as BENJAMIN and pulls her away from him as he was covered in blood and missing an part of his face that was sliced sideways, TERESA and BENJAMIN watching as CHARLES appears and stabs his MACHETE'S through his chest, before pulling them out and slashing both MACHETE'S to the side of the COMMANDO'S NECK, TERESA watching in horror as CHARLES breathes heavily and stares at the DEAD COMMANDO, BENJAMIN and TERESA just watching him unsure of what to say as CHARLES looks over at them and notices TERESA'S FACE, CHARLES looking down and then at his MACHETE'S as he drops them, CHARLES backing away as TERESA goes for him but BENJAMIN stops her.
BENJAMIN
No...let him work this out...come on, we need to go.
TERESA looks Unsure but follows him as CHARLES leans against the wall, staring blankly forward.
INT. ANTHONY'S CAR
ANTHONY fires out the back window that had been shattered as MISFITS were firing at them as EMMA was steering at a high speed as fast as she could, as CROWLEY was ducked down as far down as he could as ANTHONY was firing at them.
CROWLEY
Perhaps we could go just a bit fucking faster!
EMMA
I don't need a backseat driver!
CROWLEY
Well I sure as hell don't like being shot at all the...
EMMA
Hold on!
EMMA makes a sharp turn as CROWLEY and ANTHONY are thrown the left as EMMA guns it as the MISFITS keep pacing, firing at them and before aiming down and blowing out the back left tire, EMMA doing her best to keep it steady as she begins to slow it but as she does she notices a DISC suddenly be thrown under her car by a SOLDIER who steps from the corner, EMMA driving under it as the DISC stops and the MISFITS car drives over it, the SOLDIER pressing a button as the device EXPLODES, sending the MISFITS CAR flying into the air as EMMA brings the CAR to a stop as ANTHONY and CROWLEY peek up to look as the MISFIT CAR was crashing down into a fiery heap on the ground as suddenly ANGELIC, UNDEAD, and DEMONIC SOLDIERS come about from all around the area as EMMA gets out, her arms raised but she lowers them as she notices LINTON step out of a VEHICLE, followed by COLBY.
LINTON
Miss LAIN.
EMMA
Glad you guys showed up.
LINTON
Do you have the package?
EMMA
Of course.
COLBY
Alright, people, we got our guy, let's get him to the DEVICE, now!
SOLDIER'S pull ANTHONY and CROWLEY out without saying anything as they lead them towards a CONVOY that appears COLBY getting in with them as EMMA gets in with LINTON as the CONVOY quickly mobilizes as the a small group stay behind to deal with the WRECKAGE.
INT. SYSTEM BUILDING-TOP FLOOR
CHRISTIAN is slammed into the floor hard as SHANE throws a punch from his good hand but BELPHEGOR shrugs it off as CHRISTIAN kicks himself back up and counter punches BELPHEGOR a few times as SHANE goes for his PISTOL, BELPHEGOR noticing him as he knocks CHRISTIAN back and headbutts him, CHRISTIAN falling over as SHANE turns and fires a shot that hits BELPHEGOR in the top right shoulder, SHANE cursing to himself as he takes aim again but as he lines up for the eye shot BELPHEGOR side steps and hits SHANE in the ribs, SHANE reeling as BELPHEGOR front kicks SHANE in the chest, sending him back as CHRISTIAN stands and tackles BELPHEGOR from behind but BELPHEGOR throws CHRISTIAN off of him and stands as CHRISTIAN spins and stands, BELPHEGOR looking from him to SHANE as BELPHEGOR looks behind him at the WINDOW PANE.
BELPHEGOR
I'm not sure exactly at what point you two were supposed to best me, but I think it's time I make my exit.
CHRISTIAN
There's nowhere for you to run.
BELPHEGOR
I'll be seeing you both again I'm sure...
SHANE
CHRISTIAN, get him!
SHANE tosses CHRISTIAN his PISTOL as BELPHAGOR turns and bolts towards the WINDOW, CHRISTIAN catching the PISTOL as he spins it to a firing position and takes aim firing at BELPHEGOR hitting him a few times, but nothing fatal as BELPHEGOR goes sailing through the WINDOW, CHRISTIAN running over to it as he watches as BELPHEGOR lands on his feet, cracking the cement under his feet as BELPHEGOR reels and then takes off running, CHRISTIAN looking about as the area was mostly left unattended, BELPHEGOR quickly taking care of a few GUARDS that went to stop him as CHRISTIAN sneers and comes over to SHANE, SHANE reeling as he slowly stands.
CHRISTIAN
Bastard got away...
SHANE
We'll get him...he said it to me himself that they left him to die...so he's on his own...
CHRISTIAN
That may make him even more dangerous...
SHANE
Good...I can't wait to kill that son of a bitch.
CHRISTIAN
Come on...
CHRISTIAN helps him up as SHANE limps with him as the TWO head towards the ELEVATOR.
INT. HOSPITAL
CHARLES steps in as the EMERGENCY ROOM is packed with wounded rioter's, and SYSTEM workers coming to get checked on as CHARLES has a nurse quickly run up to him as he was covered in blood but CHARLES waves her away from him as he notices a AUSTIN coming towards him.
AUSTIN
Holy shit...
CHARLES
I'm fine...this is all...them...
AUSTIN
Yeah...heard you went a little knife happy.
CHARLES
What's going on?
AUSTIN
NIKKI is helping out with DREW, he's badly injured, that big DEMON, BELPHEGOR his DEMONIC AXE got embedded into his chest, deep, pierced right into the soul.
CHARLES
Shit...
AUSTIN
They think he'll pull through but...it's still early.
CHARLES
Goddamnit. Did we get him?
AUSTIN
No...
CHARLES
Fuck!
AUSTIN
CHRISTIAN and SHANE tried but he got away...SHANE sustained some pretty serious injuries, he's getting attended to upstairs.
CHARLES
EMMA, ANTHONY?
AUSTIN
They got CROWLEY. But CROWLEY isn't going to turn the CODEX off without getting a guarantee on his demand for immunity.
CHARLES
Of course.
AUSTIN
The TRIO still hasn't gotten control of any of the major systems, but we got the SYSTEM BUILDING back, and that should help.
CHARLES
None of this sounds like a win to me...
AUSTIN
We got more people out alive then we were supposed to, and TERESA is okay...
CHARLES
Where is she?
AUSTIN
Getting checked out on the third floor with the rest. COLBY is with her.
CHARLES
That's good...
AUSTIN
The hell just happened today, CHARLES?
CHARLES
I don't know. But look around you.
AUSTIN does as he notices the hectic and depressing state the HOSPITAL was in.
CHARLES
This is just the start.
AUSTIN looks about as CHARLES heads off, AUSTIN watching him before surveying the area as he looks solemn.
INT. MISFIT HIDEOUT-OFFICE
JARED switches the monitors off as he stands and with a smile as CASSIE and LYDIA walk into the room, LYDIA fuming as JARED stops her.
JARED
Calm yourself.
LYDIA
We gave up the CODEX...we lost CROWLEY...BELPHEGOR lives...
JARED
Did he now?
CASSIE
He left this for me...
CASSIE plugs her ear piece into the computer near the monitors that JARED had turned off and JARED listens as BELPHEGOR'S voice fills the room.
BELPHEGOR
(O.S.)
haha...thought you guys were so clever...leaving me like that...you can wipe out everyone there...but you ain't taking me so easily...I don't know when I'll see you again...but you better believe...I am coming for you all...hahaha...
CASSIE shuts it off as JARED smirks.
JARED
Nice to see the tenacity back in him.
LYDIA
How are you so calm about all of this?
JARED
Because everything is still alright. BELPHEGOR is a wild card at best, as long as we keep him at bay the opposition will take care of him for us, and we know him better than anyone, so if we have to take him out, we will. CROWLEY hasn't turned the CODEX off, meaning he's holding out, which gives us time to be able to...make sure he doesn't, but either way, it doesn't matter.
LYDIA
He wouldn't have agreed to this...
JARED
Go ask him yourself.
LYDIA
You're bluffing.
JARED
Am I?
JARED steps back as a DOOR in the back of the ROOM opens, LYDIA looking at it as JARED crosses his arm, LYDIA strolling inside as JARED watches the DOOR close, CASSIE looking at JARED as JARED has the same confident look on his face.
CASSIE
We just started something we can't take back.
JARED
Having doubts?
CASSIE
If they only knew what was really going to happen...
JARED
They will in time. We're saving them, remember?
CASSIE
I know...
JARED smiles at her as he heads out, JARED leaving as CASSIE was left alone, looking between where LYDIA had gone, and where JARED had left.
FADE OUT
END OF EPISODE