Episode 21: State of Panic
EPISODE 21
“STATE OF PANIC”
RECAP
FADE IN
COLD OPEN-
EXT. THE OBELISK
The TRIO, back at their original stomping ground are allowing some men working REAPER cases through the OBELISK when a BLIMP suddenly appears on JERRY'S SCREEN, GAVIEL spotting it as he brings it up, GAVIEL'S eyes growing large as MULCIBER and JERRY see it as well and watch as the DASHES on the PANELS and everything electronic was beginning to shine and glow brighter, as everything was beginning to spaz out.
GAVIEL quickly pushes his ear com in as he sees everything happening.
GAVIEL
This is GAVIEL of the TRIO, I need someone from the HIGH COUNCIL to respond, immediately.
BENJAMIN
(O.S.)
GAVIEL, this is BENJAMIN what is happening, everything with lights or hooked up is going haywire?!
GAVIEL
Sir...get down to the heart of the SYSTEM'S BUILDING, now!
INT. SYSTEM'S BUILDING-MIDDLE FLOOR
BENJAMIN, TERESA, and the rest of the SYSTEM COUNCIL, along with a dozen GUARDS come rushing down the HALLWAY into the middle room, BENJAMIN entering a CODE into a room as everyone comes inside.
INT. WHITE ROOM
The SYSTEM COUNCIL all file into the WHITE ROOM of the SYSTEM as they watch as everything was continuing to go haywire for a few moments before stopping. A calm washing over them as the WHITE ROOM suddenly begins to glow it's incandescent light.
SYSTEM
WE...HAVE RETURNED.
BENJAMIN and TERESA look at each other with both concern and happiness as the rest of the people within the room begin to cheer, the cheering lasting for a few moments as they await to hear what they say next.
SYSTEM
NOW...WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN OUR ABSENCE?
FADE OUT
OPENING CREDITS
FADE IN
INT. THE HANGOUT
CHARLES is awoken to his CELL phone going off, CHARLES snapping awake as he yawns and looks around as he passed out in his chair, the SCREENS to his PANEL still hooked on MAPS and LOCATIONS as the HOLOGRAM DISC that CROWLEY gave him was sitting inside the scanner.
CHARLES answers his phone after he lets it ring a few times.
CHARLES
Yeah. COLBY, what's up...? Summoned, for what?
INT. SYSTEM'S BUILDING
CHARLES comes into the LOBBY as everything was FRANTIC as ANGEL and DEMON were running about, CHARLES looking confused as he spots TERESA, CHARLES coming to her as she hurriedly walks towards the ELEVATOR, CHARLES having to sprint to keep her from leaving him.
CHARLES
Whoa, hey, what's going?!
TERESA
The SYSTEM came back on this morning.
CHARLES
How is that possible?
TERESA
You sound upset?
CHARLES
I'm just wondering how they managed to pull that off when the CODEX was on for nearly two days, shouldn't it have taken months?
TERESA
In theory, yes, but apparently months was a bit of an exaggeration.
CHARLES
Weeks.
TERESA
Seems like whoever finished the CODEX did not have the same heart to see the totality of what would happen in its absence. I should thank that person should any of them be around or alive.
CHARLES
Well...
TERESA
Walk and talk, they've requested to speak to you.
The TWO get out of the ELEVATOR as they begin down a HALL.
CHARLES
What's this all about?
TERESA
My guess is the MISFITS, and everything that has transpired.
CHARLES
What do they know?
TERESA
Everything.
CHARLES
Then this should go great.
TERESA
As long as you keep your composure.
CHARLES
What the hell, TERESA. The SYSTEM comes back on and you reinsert the stick back into your ass? Go back to being the stone cold bitch.
TERESA
CHARLES, I am no longer in a position where my voice, my opinion or personal feelings can influence my decisions. I answer to my authority, as well you.
TERESA opens the DOOR into the WHITE ROOM as she stares him down, CHARLES shaking his head as he heads in as TERESA turns and walks off as the DOOR shuts closed.
CHARLES looks about as the WHITE ROOM blinds him for a moment, tuning into his senses as CHARLES nods.
CHARLES
Nice to see you back.
SYSTEM
WE CAN SEE THAT YOU ARE CLEARLY NOT.
CHARLES
More so than usual. Now, what's this all about.
SYSTEM
WE HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE MISFITS HAVE ONE OF YOUR RECLAIMER'S, ONE WHO INGESTED A TRACKING DEVICE THAT WILL BE TURNED ON IN A FORTNIGHT, CORRECT?
CHARLES
Yes, once we get a lock, me and mine and whatever forces BENJAMIN can get us will hit it, and hit it hard, and end this threat once and for all.
SYSTEM
WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU, THAT THIS COURSE OF ACTION WILL NOT BE TAKEN. NOT RIGHT AWAY THAT IS.
CHARLES
What?
The remark catches CHARLES off guard, as his reply is filled with both shock and venom.
SYSTEM
IN OUR ABSENCE, WE HAVE SENSED MASSIVE INSTABILITY WITHIN THE QUADRANTS THAT MUST BE CORRECTED BEFORE ANY TRUE ASSAULT ON A MERCENARY STRONGHOLD CAN BE ACHIEVED. THE DELAY WILL ONLY BE A FEW DAYS AND WE HAVE PUT BENJAMIN IN CHARGE OF THE INCURSION...
CHARLES
We don't have a few days! We have one tops, and everyday we let go by, my man's chances of surviving and even our own survival exponentially decrease!
SYSTEM
THE STABILITY OF THE FRINGE, MATTERS MORE THAN THE LIVES OF ONE RECLAIMER.
CHARLES
How about the fact that we know they have something that will wipe out the FRINGE entirely?! Don't you think that's something we should stop first!
SYSTEM
WE HAVE NO PROOF, NOR WAS ANY GIVEN TO PROVE SUCH A WEAPON, OR INSTRUMENT OF DESTRUCTION EXISTS.
CHARLES
How can you say that when they came in here, and shut you down! When they were the cause for the instability that you so desperately want to put back together!
SYSTEM
LIKE ALL INCURSIONS BEFORE, HASTE FROM EITHER SIDE ONLY WEAKENS THE OVERALL RESOLVE OF THE GROUP DOING SO. WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE UPSET...
CHARLES
Upset!? You're goddamn right I'm upset!
SYSTEM
WE WILL ALLOW YOU TO JOIN BENJAMIN AND HIS FORCES ONCE THE FRINGE HAS BEEN SWEPT AND RESTABILIZED, UNTIL THEN, THE ONES WE HAVE MARKED FOR SUSPENSION WILL BEGIN TO SERVE THEIR TERMS AS WAS AGREED UPON IN OUR LAST CONVERSATION...
CHARLES
Are you fucking kidding me?! You have to be fucking kidding me, you think I care about that, that they care about that!? We care about my man, my friend is their captive and we have...
SYSTEM
WE WERE TOLD THAT HE JOINED...WILLINGLY.
CHARLES
So that we could find their stronghold and get him out, and stop whatever they plan on doing!
SYSTEM
AND WE THANK HIM FOR THAT, THOUGH WE WILL HAVE TO REPRIMAND HIM FOR SUCH A FOOLISH COURSE OF ACTION...
CHARLES
I think I may actually vomit from being so pissed...
SYSTEM
WE DO NOT HAVE TO ATTEMPT TO RESCUE HIM AT ALL, IT IS ONLY BECAUSE OF THEIR ATTEMPT ON THE BUILDING AND THEIR TEMPORARY BANISHMENT OF OUR OPERATING PLATFORM THAT WE GO AFTER THEM WHEN THE TIME ALOTS US TOO. BUT UNTIL THAT TIME, YOUR THREE RECLAIMER'S WILL SERVE THEIR SUSPENSIONS, AND YOU WILL ONLY ACT AS SOLDIER'S UNDER BENJAMIN'S COMMAND ONCE THE ATTACK IS GIVEN THE GO AHEAD, ARE WE TO BE UNDERSTOOD?
CHARLES
Go fuck yourself, I am getting my man out of there. With or without your help.
SYSTEM
WE WILL DETAIN YOU, AND LOCK YOU AWAY UNTIL THE ATTACK IS FINISHED BEFORE RENDERING A PUNISHMENT FOR SUCH TREASONOUS ACTIONS. WE OFFER YOU THE CHANCE TO END THE THREAT AS YOU SAY, AND IF THAT IS NOT TO YOUR SATISFACTION, YOU CAN REST IN A HOLDING CELL UNTIL IT IS DONE.
CHARLES
You sons of bitches.
SYSTEM
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GO AROUND THIS, TO USURP OUR AUTHORITY IN THE MATTER, FOR IF YOU DO, THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE COSTLY.
CHARLES
I will not leave my friend to die at the hands of madmen. Nor will I sit here idly by as they wipe us all out because you're too stupid to go after the root cause of all the instability you're prattling on about!
SYSTEM
WE WILL NOT WARN YOU AGAIN, YOU WILL NOT INTERFERE UNTIL BENJAMIN LEADS THE ASSAULT, IF YOU CANNOT ACCEPT THAT, WE WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DETAIN YOU.
CHARLES grabs his head as he screams, CHARLES breathing heavy as looks bewildered.
SYSTEM
DO WE HAVE YOUR COMPLIANCE?
CHARLES
Yes goddamnit!
SYSTEM
THEN PROCEED WITH YOUR DAY, MR. REID.
CHARLES storms out of the WHITE ROOM without another word.
INT. BENJAMIN'S OFFICE
BENJAMIN watches from his window as CHARLES is walking from the SYSTEM'S BUILDING towards his CAR, BENJAMIN looking defeated as he shakes his head, thinking to himself as he rubs his head and then steps away from the window.
INT. JARED'S ROOM
SHANE awakens from a bed as he looks to see DREW sitting at the table he was sitting at along with JARED, both of them smiling at SHANE who stretches as he gets up, coming over towards them as JARED hands him a cup.
SHANE
No, come' on man I can't drink anymore.
JARED
It's coffee.
SHANE
Oh.
SHANE sips at it as DREW smirks.
DREW
You snore, you know that?
SHANE
I did. If I wasn't forced to join you guys I might have slept a bit more peacefully.
DREW
Well I didn't have to hear too much of it thankfully, though I'm not sure how you did, JARED.
JARED
I did not sleep here. Felt it would be rude.
DREW
I see.
JARED
And how did we twist your arm again? The binding spell was pretty clear that the intent to join us had to be genuinely of your own accord.
SHANE
You made sure there was no lack of incentive when it came to the regard and safety of my friends.
JARED
That is true, but trust me, it was the only way.
SHANE
DREW...
DREW
Yes, SHANE?
SHANE punches DREW hard across the face, DREW falling out of his chair as he looks at SHANE puzzled as JARED smiles as SHANE shakes his hand loose from the fist he used to sock DREW.
SHANE
That's for the betrayal. And LINTON, and for you putting your fucking hands on NIKKI.
DREW
You son of a...
JARED holds a hand out towards DREW, DREW stopping without a moment's hesitation as JARED shakes his head, SHANE still staring at DREW with a scowl as DREW nods.
DREW
I guess It was deserved. I'll go make the morning rounds, no? Make sure the party is coming together.
JARED
You do that.
DREW gives SHANE an evil eye before he turns and leaves, SHANE looking at JARED who busts out laughing, SHANE trying not to laugh but can't help him as JARED is really busting a gut over what he just saw.
JARED
Ahh, that's how you start a morning, sit down, sit down.
SHANE comes over and takes his seat, JARED handing SHANE a DATAPAD as SHANE reads it over.
JARED
It's official. The SYSTEM officially turned itself back on, in under two weeks.
SHANE
Impressive. Thought the CODEX was supposed to be a long term effect sorta thing.
JARED
Seems those who were in hand to it's creation had a different idea of long term then we do I suppose.
SHANE
Worried about them coming after you now?
JARED
Hell no. With all the damage and chaos we championed over the past few weeks in its absence, it's prime directive or whatever will want to sow all those oats back all up before it even bothers to come our way. That's how it's always been, and how it'll always be.
SHANE
How convenient.
JARED
We were prepared in any case. Besides, in a few days, it won't even matter.
SHANE
So soon? Thought I was going to get to absorb most of this before becoming a martyr.
JARED
You could've if you would have accepted my offer a few days back.
SHANE
Well we don't all get what we want in the end, huh?
JARED
No I guess we don't, though I still think I got what I needed.
SHANE
So I meet the big kahuna huh?
JARED
Yes, he is waiting for us once you are dressed.
SHANE
What's wrong with what I have on?
JARED
For starters, you don't have on any pants.
SHANE looks down to finally notice he was sitting in his underwear, SHANE nodding.
SHANE
I don't remember taking my pants off.
JARED
I was not here, so, hopefully you did so with good reason. Now finish your coffee and put the pants on if you find them, we have a big day planned.
SHANE nods as JARED gets up and leaves, SHANE looking about as he doesn't know what to do or feel.
INT. THE HANGOUT
CHARLES sits in his chair, arms crossed as his scowl hadn't left his face as ANTHONY, EMMA, AUSTIN, and NIKKI were now all there.
AUSTIN
That's fucking bullshit!
ANTHONY
Yeah, major bullshit.
EMMA
I can't believe they'd do that to us, after everything we've done...
NIKKI
It's the SYSTEM for ya.
ANTHONY
You can't be surprised, the FRINGE is in a major state of panic, it's only natural that the fulcrum of this point in the universe would want it's ducks in a row.
AUSTIN
You're still missing the point, like how these guys shut them down in the first place and plan on wiping us all out in a matter of...shit, I don't know.
CHARLES
Days. It'll be days, but it's going to happen, soon.
NIKKI
So what do we do? We gonna sit here with our thumbs in our mouths like a scolded child or are we gonna make some dumb decisions and save our guy?
CHARLES
We're going with plan B on that one.
EMMA
How? We attempt to access the tracker inside SHANE, we'll blow it and then we're all fucked. We try anything else that the SYSTEM can get wind of and we're fucked, all the spies and rats for the SYSTEM are out in full force, trust me, I saw a bunch of them return to their posts back at the TAVERN.
CHARLES
We have to find a way to get SHANE'S tracker on before the two days, get a good enough lock on its location, and keep its sensory transponder from alerting the TRIO and therefore the SYSTEM.
AUSTIN
Oh, and I assume we have some tech wizard who can do all that for us?
CHARLES
No, we don't have a tech wizard. But we do have a...witch.
CHARLES looks at EMMA as suddenly everyone else turns to look at her, EMMA biting her thumb as she looks at them once she notices their glares.
EMMA
What?
INT. EMMA'S APARTMENT
MEL folds her arms as CHARLES stands in front of the others.
MEL
Is that it?
CHARLES
Can you do it or can't you?
MEL
That's an offly lot to ask, especially with the amount of power and magic I'd have to use to shroud it from the SYSTEM especially.
CHARLES
If you can't do it...
MEL
I can do it, it's just going to be a bit of a pain in the ass is all, and since I'm not getting a real friendly vibe from you, nor am I expecting any please or a thank you, I want something in return.
EMMA
Uh...MEL...not a good time.
CHARLES
You listen to me, you witch bitch...
AUSTIN
Aye...let's uh, CHARLES, let's go this way, huh...
AUSTIN grabs CHARLES and pulls him away from MEL as he walks past EMMA.
AUSTIN
Talk to her.
EMMA nods as MEL turns her back on them, EMMA coming over to her as MEL moves her tongue from cheek to cheek.
EMMA
Our friend's life is in danger, so is the entire FRINGE.
MEL
I am aware, EMMA. I know the stakes. I just...I don't like being treated like an object to be used whenever some asshole wants me.
EMMA
I know it sister. But I wouldn't have even let them in here to ask you, if I didn't mean something to me. And this means everything to me.
MEL
Saving your friend, or the FRINGE?
EMMA
Both. This is how I start my road to being a stronger person, to being valuable. I need your help though.
MEL nods as EMMA takes her hand.
EMMA
Please.
MEL
Alright, alright. It's going to take me time to set all of this up.
ANTHONY
We'll help you with whatever you need.
MEL
You'll need chalk, a lot of it. We have to ward this whole apartment. I'll also need a piece of clothing or something that belonged to your friend. I'll take care of the rest.
CHARLES
I'll go by SHANE'S, AUSTIN you go pick up the chalk and whatever else they need. The rest of you, stay here, help her set up.
CHARLES and AUSTIN head out as MEL looks at EMMA.
MEL
You may hate me after we're done with this.
EMMA
As long as we come out of this alive, It may only be for a few months.
MEL snickers as EMMA smiles and laughs, MEL nodding as she and EMMA start to move some of the furniture about.
INT. MISFIT STRONGHOLD-OFFICE
JARED enters with SHANE close behind, CASSIE sitting at the SCREENS with her DATAPAD hooked up as CASSIE turns to JARED.
CASSIE
Can you believe this shit about the SYSTEM?! How, how is it back online and in control already?!
JARED
Calm down, CASSIE. Everything's still fine.
CASSIE
Easier for you to say. SHANE. Nice to see you again, I guess.
SHANE
GHOUL chick, right?
CASSIE
It's CASSIE, asshole.
SHANE
Just reaffirming that I know who you are ya dumb cunt.
CASSIE
You...
JARED
Enough.
CASSIE shakes her head as JARED turns to SHANE.
JARED
I know you're a little...bitter...or...a somewhat stronger emotion than hatred towards us but, try to make nice. Not like you're going anywhere.
SHANE
Yeah, fine.
LYDIA
(O.S.)
So this must be the guy I've heard so much about.
SHANE watches as LYDIA comes out of a back room, JARED stepping aside as LYDIA comes over and offers her hand to SHANE, SHANE slowly shaking it as the TWO eyeball each other carefully.
LYDIA
I take it you know about me.
SHANE
CHARLES'S ex beau. Yeah, I know about you.
LYDIA
I sense you're not fond of me for this..choice.
SHANE
He loved you. And then you up and vanish. And pop up with these guys. I guess I just don't respect someone who would do that to their loved ones, let them worry, let them think that you are dead, only to be alive and well...and...trying to destroy the world.
LYDIA
I guess I deserve that.
SHANE
You deserve more...CHARLES deserved better, at least from where I am standing.
JARED
You certainly have an odd way of making nice.
SHANE
Never said it had to start right away.
LYDIA
In any regard...he's ready for you now.
SHANE
Care to tell me who he is?
JARED
Ask him yourself.
SHANE
You're not coming with me.
JARED
Not this time.
SHANE looks at the DOOR as it has an ominous feel to it, SHANE going to it as LYDIA and CASSIE watch him close, SHANE taking a deep breath before he opens the door and steps in.
INT. MASTER CHAMBERS
SHANE steps into a lush and beautifully decorated room, a LARGE BED situated in the corner of the room as a LARGE DESK and BAR was set up, a GIANT TELEVISION SCREEN on the nearby wall hanging above a FIREPLACE as SHANE looks about before spotting what appeared to be a THRONE sitting in the middle of the ROOM, SHANE coming to it as he looks around to see no one was around.
VOICE
(O.S.)
I never liked this damn chair.
SHANE turns quickly as a DEMON, large but not bulky, intimating but, not unapproachable, smirks at him, The DEMON walking towards the THRONE as SHANE watches him closely.
DEMON
I think JARED, with his misplaced sense of humor though this was more suitable for me, though I think it was meant just as much as a jest.
SHANE
Who are you?
DEMON
Who am I? They call me ASTAROTH. Pleasure to meet you, TWELVE PAST MIDNIGHT. Or should I call you, SHANE?
SHANE doesn't say anything as ASTEROTH gives him a wry grin.
ASTAROTH
I know it's earlier, I heard about you hitting the sauce pretty hard last night, so I'm sure offering you a drink this early would be out of the question?
SHANE
I'm supposed to be your “CATALYST” and if that involves me dying, don’t think it matters what time I start drinking.
ASTAROTH
Good answer.
ASTAROTH motions for SHANE to come to the BAR as SHANE takes a stool and parks himself as ASTAROTH goes behind and pulls up a GLASS, pouring him some brown liquor form a strange bottle
ASTAROTH
I am going to assume that you've never had pure demon distilled bourbon before?
SHANE
There a difference between demon and regular bourbon?
ASTAROTH
A demon I knew had a way of mixing certain properties into the liquor that adds a kick, but if I told you what they were, you probably wouldn't try it. So, drink up.
SHANE downs it as ASTEROTH smiles as SHANE winces and sighs as he looks distraught, ASTAROTH laughing as SHANE begins coughing.
SHANE
Holy shit...
ASTAROTH
Haha.
SHANE
What the fuck I feel like I just got hit by a truck.
ASTAROTH
Oh yeah, demonic bourbon will do that to you.
SHANE
Goddamn.
ASTAROTH puts the bottle away as SHANE grabs his chest and takes a deep breath, ASTAROTH folding his arms.
SHANE
You're JARED'S OVERSEER, Aren't you? Or...you were rather.
ASTAROTH
Very astute of you. But correct. How'd you know that?
SHANE
Put two and two together. He talked about how much he admired you, followed you into hell itself, then he went awol, everyone in the unit goes dead and you go missing. Deductive reasoning, sorta my thing. That and he told me your name when he told me about some INCURSION you stopped.
ASTAROTH
Of course he did. He's always been fond of that memory.
SHANE
You were a RECLAIMER? Thought DEMONS and ANGELS didn't RECLAIM, mostly work in the SYSTEM.
ASTAROTH
Times were different back in the day. A DEMON and an ANGEL could become RECLAIMER'S if they felt obliged to do so. There may not be very many of us now doing it, but to RECLAIM was a great honor if you could not serve in the SYSTEM.
SHANE
You did a lot to rise up to where you were, why throw it away?
ASTAROTH
Because I learned something. Something that no one was willing to listen to me about.
SHANE
The OUTSIDERS...?
ASTAROTH
Yes.
SHANE
What are they?
ASTAROTH
They are Humans. Living Humans. Who knows about us.
SHANE
Living people who know about the FRINGE? How is that possible?
ASTAROTH
Someone, reached out, found a way to communicate with someone they love, and that person, and those who support him, are trying everything they can to bring the living here, into the FRINGE.
SHANE
Why is that...
ASTAROTH
What do you think a SOUL here is? For you, it is the makeup of your existence, the being that stands before me, the SHANE you are, that is your soul, the body is your soul's output appearance. But what is a soul in the living world? It is an inner part of your existence, a shielded but controlling part of your very being in a fabric of reality that is stronger than that here. Should a living soul, cross into this realm, it would hold dominion over us all. ANGEL, DEMON, UNDEAD, MONSTER, it would control us. It could make us do anything it wants, it could make us murder and walk off cliff, build a castle in it's image. It would become a GOD.
SHANE
And there are people here who want that?
ASTAROTH
They are hiding, in plain sight. Whereas we came out to flush them out, they work in the shadows. The followers to the OUTSIDERS are putting their plans into motion, and therefore our actions had to be...hastened.
SHANE
There's always a better way...I don't like the sound of these OUTSIDERS either but...destroying the FRINGE. I mean...
ASTAROTH
I fought with the idea, too. Believe me. I gathered my men, JARED, all of them, I told them. They believed me, we found someone who knew a FOLLOWER, and we got all the information we needed. But the SYSTEM didn't believe us. No one believed us. And soon most of my men turned on me. Said the idea of wiping the FRINGE from existence was far too much a price to be paid, but JARED understood. And we did what had to be done.
SHANE
You murdered your own men?
ASTAROTH
They did not see reason as JARED did, as so many others do now. When I found LYDIA so too tried to say there was no other course, but once you know what can't be done, you have no choice but to accept what can be done.
SHANE
Is that what you think? You think just because destroying the world is easier than taking the chance of stopping them that that's the only way? Why not go after the FOLLOWERS, why not stop the ones who are trying to bring them here, instead of just destroying everything?!
ASTAROTH
Because The FOLLOWERS are not people who let themselves be known. They do not share with others, they do not meet and plan and plot, they patiently await their cues, and they act upon them, and by the time anyone knows what has happened it will be too late. So no, SHANE. I am afraid there is no other way to defeat them then to spare everyone the horrors of what can happen.
SHANE
Why are you assuming that these OUTSIDERS will just come and try and take over? Why does it have to be a bad thing?
ASTAROTH
If you were living and knew that crossing into another dimension through space and time would grant you the power of god, wouldn't you be all but tempted to see the power tested yourself?
SHANE
I...
ASTAROTH
Exactly. You must ask yourself SHANE, what would be the fate you would rather have. As a slave, bending knees to some punk with a god complex or to not exist at all, free of all pain and suffering, and yes even joy and love, but to be free of everything.
SHANE
This wasn't your call to make...you should let people choose for themselves...people deserve the chance to fight.
ASTAROTH
We have given the SYSTEM and the FRINGE ample time to see the truth, but we are out of time. In a few short years the OUTSIDERS will come, and there will be nothing to be done about it but suffer and die. We will spare everyone that pain and that mistake.
SHANE
Together we can stop them. Us, the SYSTEM, the UNDERWORLD. We can find the FOLLOWERS, and stop them, and even if we didn’t, even if these OUTSIDERS came, we would withstand them as well, because that is what we do. Maybe you don't understand because you're a DEMON but I remember what it was like to be alive, and I know that we tap out, we go down swinging. This isn't going down swinging...this is tapping out.
ASTAROTH
I like you, SHANE. The resolve in you is strong. But It is too late.
ASTAROTH pulls up a remote and presses a button, SHANE watching as a panel suddenly moves to his right, SHANE coming over as the PANEL reveals a large window that looks into a FACTORY that was part of the MISFIT STRONGHOLD, SHANE looking on in horror as ASTAROTH walks with his hands behind his back towards SHANE, standing near him as SHANE stares at a LARGE DEVICE that is glowing WHITE, as WHITE LIGHT is being funneled through connecting tubes.
SHANE
What the hell is this...
ASTAROTH
It's a duplicate design of the ERADICATOR BEAM that the SYSTEM has. But ours has a little more juice...and kick.
SHANE
SOULS...
ASTAROTH
Over the past eighty years we've collected thousands...lost count after 55 or so.
SHANE
What...what would...
ASTAROTH
When the device is primed, the SOULS will disperse, and it will need a special kind of soul...a resilient soul, a soul new to this world, to be it's CATALYST...
SHANE
Mine...
ASTAROTH
Yes. See I thought what it needed was the soul of a true believer. Someone like JARED, or for a time, someone like BELPHEGOR. But it needs more than that, it needs a believer, and it needs a fresh soul, a soul whose light is new to the world and still burns brightly. That soul has to be you SHANE, that is why you were needed, why we've had our eye on you. Why you are the CATALYST.
SHANE
What will happen?
ASTAROTH
When we feed our souls into the machine it will disperse a large blast that will draw in every soul forcefully from the bodies in a hundred mile radius...with each soul that it adds, it will grow in size, in its radius, and once every soul in the FRINGE has been harvested it will detonate...and will destroy the FRINGE...along with the UNDERWORLD...and all that will be left is is a blank pocket of the universe.
SHANE
This...
ASTAROTH
It is the only way. It is merciful, believe me, I know one will suffer from this, no one will feel any pain.
SHANE
I won't...I won't do this.
ASTAROTH
Whether you want to or not...you will. I am sorry, SHANE. But this...this is what has to be.
SHANE
You're wrong!
ASTAROTH
I wish I were.
SHANE looks at the MACHINE as tears begin to fall from his face as he tries to register, ASTAROTH looking a bit distraught himself as he looks away and goes towards his bar.
ASTAROTH
I would advise you continue to drink with me. We don't want you to be a sour puss during tonight's celebration.
SHANE doesn't look back as he just watches the MACHINE, looking it over with a determined gleam in his eyes.
INT. EMMA'S APARTMENT
EMMA looks around as her apartment has symbols and Latin written all over, EMMA looking sad as AUSTIN rubs her shoulders.
AUSTIN
You okay?
EMMA
My poor apartment.
AUSTIN laughs as he walks by her, EMMA moving towards NIKKI as MEL is finishing up making a large ward spell on the floor as she nods.
MEL
I think this should do it. Now, do we have a MAP and one of his possessions?
CHARLES
Yes.
CHARLES comes over and lays the MAP down on the space where the WARD was as AUSTIN hands MEL one of SHANE'S PISTOLS, MEL looking it over as she nods an closes her eyes as she takes the PISTOL into her hand and begins chanting an incantation, the others watching her skeptically as she opens them after she finishes, AUSTIN looking her hands as she held SHANE'S GUN which was now the size of a small action figure toy gun.
AUSTIN
Holy crap.
MEL
Looks like a monopoly piece doesn't it?
AUSTIN
How'd you do that?
MEL raises an eyebrow to him as AUSTIN shakes his head.
AUSTIN
Oh, damn, yeah, Duh.
MEL
It's a good thing you're pretty.
AUSTIN
Oh I know.
MEL sets SHANE'S MINIATURE TOY GUN in the middle of the MAP as everyone comes around her, MEL motioning for the spots on the floor as each one of them takes a spot, ANTHONY and EMMA closest to her.
MEL
Now, not only do I have to turn this tracker on, but I have to ward it from alerting the SYSTEM itself and from killing your friend before the 48 hour mark, while also marking his location on this map here, correct?
EMMA
Pretty much.
MEL
Well then.
MEL snaps her fingers as suddenly blue flames shoot up all around them from the CANDLES that were set up through the apartment, The GROUP looking around as MEL'S EYES GO BLACK as EMMA looks at her a bit scared as CHARLES just watches her carefully as MEL looks around.
MEL
Let's get this started then.
INT. BENJAMIN'S OFFICE
BENJAMIN shuffles through some files before he sends them through a compressor that shoots them to a nearby office, BENJAMIN watching as TERESA knocks before stepping in, BENJAMIN nodding as he motions for her to sit across from him.
TERESA
You needed to speak with me, BENJAMIN?
BENJAMIN
Yes, TERESA, thank you.
TERESA
What is it?
BENJAMIN
I fear that your LEAD will not take heed to the SYSTEM'S warnings, and that he may put you and your status in jeopardy, as well as detrimentally increase his unit's chances of incarceration or worse.
TERESA
It is a very real concern of mine, COLBY has been trying to reach him for the last few hours, but nothing.
BENJAMIN
However, I find myself conflicted because I know the threat these MISFITS possess, and whether it be true or not, they plan on destroying the FRINGE, and I believe they do have a means in which to do so.
TERESA
What are you trying to say then?
BENJAMIN
I do not know if the course of action I am going to choose is the right, and I may have to accept the penalty for doing so. If that be the case...
TERESA
BENJAMIN what are you...
BENJAMIN
Listen to me.
BENJAMIN holds up a disc and slides it across his desk towards her, TERESA not sure what to think as BENJAMIN nods.
BENJAMIN
Everything of mine, my units, my accounts, everything will fall to you should it happen.
TERESA
Whatever you plan on doing...it is not worth it.
BENJAMIN
It is worth more than you can imagine, TERESA. Just in case. Promise me that that disc will be safe in your care.
TERESA
BENJAMIN think this through...do not throw away your convictions, who you are. You are an ANGEL of the SYSTEM...
BENJAMIN
A SYSTEM, while not broken...certainly needs fixing. I see that now.
TERESA
BENJAMIN I cannot...
BENJAMIN
You will. Because you are the only person in this building who understands, who understood before I did. Your feelings with your LEAD, the relationship you have with your unit, It is not because of civic duty, nor is it because of your job, no it is because a part of you has freed itself from the grasp of this SYSTEM. You fight it, you go against it, but your new nature will see you through. As it will with me. So you can say all the things you want to say, and stick up for the SYSTEM as you have astutely done before but when I leave here tonight, and should I ever come back into this building again, I will know that this DISC here...will be with you.
TERESA looks flabbergasted as BENJAMIN nods and stands, buttoning his suit jacket up as he walks by TERESA, stopping beside her as he lays a hand on her shoulder.
BENJAMIN
We must be the beginning of change, or we are destined to fall.
BENJAMIN leaves his own office as TERESA looks torn.
INT. JARED'S ROOM
SHANE looks uncomfortable as he was in a tuxedo, SHANE turning to the door as JARED comes in also in a tux as he whistles as SHANE shakes his head.
JARED
Well look at you Casanova.
SHANE
I feel cheap.
JARED
That's a pretty expensive suit.
SHANE
Still feel cheap.
JARED
I heard you got a pretty hard crash course. How are you dealing?
SHANE
Oh just fine. You know, knowing now that we're all going to be killing ourselves to feed a massive soul extracting machine to stop the living from crossing into the FRINGE. Peachy.
JARED
It's the only way.
SHANE
Just because you all keep saying that, it doesn't fucking comfort me.
JARED
I am sorry.
SHANE
There's always another way, you're all just pussies unwilling to stand up against it.
JARED
We can't fight gods.
SHANE
Who says we can't?
JARED
It's never been done before.
SHANE
Well then we'd be the first.
JARED
It's not that simple.
SHANE
No it is that simple!
JARED looks away from SHANE as SHANE comes up to him.
SHANE
It is that simple. Just because you all opted for the easy route, that doesn't mean it's the right one! Because guy, I'm telling you, it's not, it's so fucking not.
JARED
What's done is done, SHANE. The MACHINE is priming, once we our souls join there will be no stopping it.
SHANE
We don't have to put our souls into it, we don't have to do it at all.
JARED
We've come too far to stop now.
SHANE
No...no you're not too far gone, none of you...this can be salvaged.
JARED
Your faith is refreshing, but it is useless. ASTAROTH has seen it through, we all have. It must end.
SHANE
Well...can't say I didn't try.
SHANE shoulder bumps past JARED as SHANE goes towards the door.
SHANE
Can we go and get drunk now or what?
JARED smirks to himself as he follows behind SHANE.
INT. MISFIT STRONGHOLD
In a LARGE HALL that was used mostly as a mess hall for the MISFITS, JARED and SHANE come in to see a PARTY in its midst happening, as some MISFITS are dressed up nicely in suits, the women in dresses as music was being played through a PA system as JARED comes over to CASSIE who was somewhat dancing as SHANE goes to the area with all the liquor, a DEMON MISFIT pouring him a drink as SHANE begins to down it as CASSIE looks at SHANE.
CASSIE
You sure he's going to be alright for this?
JARED
Relax, CASSIE. We all could unwind for a bit, let him drink if that's what he wants to do.
CASSIE
Fair enough. We gonna dance or what?
JARED
Sure.
CASSIE looks caught off guard as JARED brings CASSIE to the main area where some of the MISFITS were dancing, JARED yelling for others to join as the MISFITS begin to laugh and fill up the space as the MUSIC goes up louder, SHANE turning to the commotion as he watches JARED try his hand at dancing, SHANE shaking his head as smirks to himself as JARED waves him on, SHANE shaking his head but JARED goes over and whispers to a FEMALE VAMPIRE, the VAMPIRE smiling as she comes over to SHANE, SHANE stunned at her beauty as she grabs his hand without saying a word and brings him onto the DANCE FLOOR, SHANE not sure what to do as she begins to grind and dance on him as SHANE just stands, nodding his heads and moving shoulders awkwardly as CASSIE and JARED watch him for a moment before they burst out laughing, SHANE not needing to do much as he grabs the VAMPIRE by the hips and just goes with it as the MISFITS begin to party it up.
INT. EMMA'S APARTMENT
MEL is chanting as the BLUE FLAMES begin to grow in size as the others look about skeptically.
ANTHONY
We're not going to burn this place down are we...?
MEL
Hush...I almost have it...
CHARLES
How will we know...
MEL
Take EMMA'S HAND.
CHARLES looks to EMMA who had a hand placed on MEL as EMMA holds her free hand out towards CHARLES, CHARLES taking it as he suddenly tenses up as images rush through his mind, CHARLES rolling his eyes into the back of his head as EMMA did it at the same time, AUSTIN and NIKKI watching on confused as ANTHONY looks nervous as MEL continues chanting an incantation before she stops and throws her hand forward onto the map, the TOY GUN suddenly moving to an area on the MAP.
MEL
I have him...
AUSTIN
Now what...
MEL
I turn the tracker on...and I hope we get a match before it does damage to him...here we go.
MEL begins chanting as CHARLES and EMMA can see SHANE partying with the MISFITS as MEL'S chants seem to grow louder and louder.
INT. MISFIT STRONGHOLD
SHANE keeps dancing with the VAMPIRE but suddenly feels a knot in his chest as he pulls away from her, SHANE gasping as he suddenly begins to holler in pain as he grabs his gut, his body suddenly beginning to glow white as his veins begin to burst from his body as he doubles over, JARED and CASSIE rushing to him with concerned looks on their faces as MEL continues to chant, SHANE suddenly seeming to be able to hear her as JARED and CASSIE are screaming his name but he can't hear them as the chanting words fill his head as he was glowing brightly, his entire body turning red and strained as he was in great pain.
INT. EMMA'S APARTMENT
CHARLES breaks away as he falls over, EMMA catching her breath as CHARLES reels as MEL is still chanting.
CHARLES
Stop! Stop it you're killing him!
MEL
I almost have his location...
CHARLES
I said stop it, goddamnit!
CHARLES goes to stop her but EMMA grabs him and steps in his way.
EMMA
No, she'll get it, CHARLES, we almost have him!
CHARLES
No, she's going to kill him!
EMMA
CHARLES! Trust me!
CHARLES looks into EMMA'S eyes which were strong and confident as CHARLES doesn't say anything as MEL continues and then stops, opening her eyes as they were back to their normal blues, CHARLES watching as the MAP suddenly catches fire, the GROUP stepping away from the BLUE FLAMES as the MAP burns up until nothing but the area that the TOY GUN have moved to was left.
MEL smirks as CHARLES looks at everyone before looking at her as she points to the piece of the map that was unscathed.
MEL
He is there.
INT. MISFIT STRONGHOLD
All the color comes flooding back into SHANE as he begins coughing and shaking on the floor as the bright red and white light emitting from him fades away, JARED and CASSIE looking confused as SHANE rolls onto his back after a few moments as he shakes his head.
SHANE
What the hell was that?
JARED
I don't know, you tell me?
SHANE
Was it something I ate? What did you guys put in that demonic bourbon?
CASSIE
He's fine, just a fucking spaz.
SHANE
Well that wasn't nice.
JARED
Come on.
JARED helps SHANE up as SHANE dusts his suit as he looks around to see everyone staring at him, JARED looking around as SHANE clears his throat and throws his arms out.
SHANE
Don't stop the party on my account. Come on!
The MISFITS all laugh and cheer as SHANE takes a drink that someone hands him as he downs it and tosses the glass into the far wall, cheering and throwing his arms up as everyone with a drink holds it up and finishes as the MUSIC starts back up, SHANE looking around as he looks at JARED who nods at him, SHANE smiling as he looks away before he closes his eyes and lets out a large sigh of relief as he whispers to himself.
SHANE
To close CHARLES, to close...
SHANE quickly throws his smile back on as a few MISFITS surround him, holding up drinks for him as SHANE takes one and joins them as the PARTY continues on undeterred.
INT. EMMA'S APARTMENT
CHARLES brings up the location on a DATAPAD as the others gather around him.
CHARLES
If we are to believe the spell worked, and that MEL here was able to extract a location from it even with the binding spell still active, then they are keeping SHANE here.
CHARLES swipes the screen onto EMMA'S TELEVISION PANEL, the GROUP watching as CHARLES enlarges the screen.
AUSTIN
The E QUADRANT'S PROCESSING PLANT?
NIKKI
That's the old one. How could they have been so close and no reports of a large force?
EMMA
They had DREW on the inside, remember. He must've been helping throw the trails off.
MEL
Would also place a high dollar that they have strong warding and hex magic shielding them from detection.
ANTHONY
If that was the case, how did you find it?
MEL
Safe bet is that my COVEN was the one who provided them with said spells. And if that's the case, it wasn't a problem at all.
ANTHONY
Yeah, guess not.
CHARLES
The processing will have been converted somehow, my guess is that is where they are keeping their weapon of mass destruction. This area here, the production floor and mess hall, probably was converted into dorms, and whatnot, you go up a sub level you got the loading bays and vehicle transport docks.
AUSTIN
Anyway In?
CHARLES
Several, but they'll all be watched and guarded.
NIKKI
So what are you thinking?
CHARLES
Looks like they were having some kind of party. If we hit them hard, tonight, they may not be able to mount a proper counter attack.
NIKKI
Five of us against an entire army?
CHARLES
We've handled worse.
NIKKI
Uh, no we haven't.
CHARLES
Well after tonight, we can say that about the next time.
AUSTIN
I say why not.
MEL
I can be of assistance there.
CHARLES
You have done enough. And I don't mean that as disparagingly. I am thanking you. But I think this is something we can handle.
MEL
My magic could help.
CHARLES
Then do it from here. EMMA may need you.
MEL
As you wish.
CHARLES
We'll go back to the HANGOUT, gear up, and then we get our guy back. And we kill as many MISFITS as we can. Sound like a plan?
NIKKI
Sounds good to me.
AUSTIN
No arguments here.
ANTHONY
Uh, yeah. Yeah. Let's do it.
CHARLES nods as he turns and heads out, NIKKI, AUSTIN and ANTHONY following close behind as EMMA looks to MEL who nods.
MEL
I will be here if I am needed.
EMMA
I may have to use some of it...
MEL
You only have a few days training...
EMMA
I'm not looking forward to it...but I...
MEL
Trust in yourself...and allow the magic to be an extension of you, not who you are. You will be fine.
EMMA looks unsure but nods as she turns to leave, stopping as she turns back to MEL.
EMMA
Uh, you think maybe you can start getting this chalk off the walls and what not?
MEL
I'm your guest...
MEL snaps her fingers as suddenly all the chalk disappears from the walls and floors, EMMA looking about as she laughs.
EMMA
Can't I learn that stuff?
MEL
No. Now go.
EMMA
Alright, alright.
EMMA shuts the door as she leaves, MEL smiling as she looks around with a concerned look.
EXT. MISFIT STRONGHOLD-TERRACE
SHANE looks back to see the PARTY going on as he had slipped out onto the TERRACE, SHANE sitting on the rail as his legs hang below, SHANE holding a beer as he watches the FRINGE as he can see the lights of nearby buildings, and off in the distance the GLOWING BEACON that is the SYSTEM'S BUILDING.
LYDIA
It's something isn't it.
SHANE
Yeah. Yeah it is.
SHANE doesn't look back as LYDIA comes up near him, not dressed up as SHANE looks her over.
SHANE
Didn't feel like partying it up.
LYDIA
I have nothing to be thankful for.
SHANE
Not even knowing that you're going to go down as a mass murderer?
LYDIA
Can't go down as anything if anything no longer exists.
SHANE
Eh, got me there.
LYDIA
I usually am here anyways, looking at this view and thinking of what could have been.
SHANE
Not too late.
LYDIA
When will you get it through your head, there is no alternative. There is no way that we do not win. Give up this foolish Idea of doing things differently and accept what is.
SHANE
How did ASTAROTH pull you away from CHARLES? How did he get you to believe so strongly?
LYDIA
He did to me what JARED did to you.
SHANE
Threatened to kill people you love for loyalty.
LYDIA
Yes. To save CHARLES, and COLBY, and all of the others, I had no choice. I shook on the binding spell. And I never looked back.
SHANE
Is that why you never went to CHARLES?
LYDIA
I couldn't. Or else...you know what would have happened.
SHANE
Yeah. I wanna give you a pass on that, but in the end, you still turned on everything and everyone.
LYDIA
It took years, decades actually. I was a trapped host, just as you are. But the more I saw, the more I was asked to be involved, the more I got to really see the neglect and negligence of this SYSTEM, and how unless we did something about it, the OUTSIDERS would come, and we would become nothing more than mindless husks.
SHANE
You choose to drink the crazy. I choose to hold out hope that we can find another way. We can find these FOLLOWERS, we can prevent it from ever having to come to pass...it's better then this...better then just...during this all into nothing. Look at that.
SHANE points out as LYDIA looks as SHANE stares at her with determined eyes.
SHANE
That is what we have in this life, everyone and everything that encompasses it. Isn't that out there, isn’t that worth fighting for, dying for even. You may say that's what you're doing, but it's not, what you're all planning, it's cowardly, it's running scared.
LYDIA
You will give your soul to the ERADICATOR, willingly or not. And we will see this to the end.
SHANE
Of that I have no doubt.
LYDIA
You've not been here long enough to really see the injustice...to experience heartbreak and pain. You cannot think that the SYSTEM will ever help you, will believe in the OUTSIDERS, even if we were to go your way, the help would come too late, and then there would be nothing to do against the OUTSIDERS but bow.
SHANE
You're wrong.
LYDIA
No. And you know that I am right.
SHANE
That's the difference between me and you. And I'm guessing you and CHARLES. Where you probably see no hope and no other way, we both...
LYDIA
Want to keep fighting, even if it's a lost cause.
SHANE
Everyone, dead, alive, monster or ethereal, deserves that chance.
LYDIA
Well...maybe next time huh?
SHANE
Ha, yeah.
LYDIA turns and heads in as SHANE just keeps drinking.
INT. MISFIT STRONGHOLD
LYDIA walks by JARED as JARED comes over to meet her.
LYDIA
Be prepared, they will come for him soon.
JARED
You are sure?
LYDIA
The residuals of the binding spell are all over his face, somehow, they found a way to locate him.
JARED
They won't attack with a full force, the SYSTEM will not help as there is still chaos in the streets.
LYDIA
No, it will be my ex husband and his unit, and them alone.
JARED
We can handle them.
LYDIA
We must kill him.
JARED
No.
LYDIA
He will not give his soul to the ERADICATOR, we do not need his SOUL for...
JARED
Yes we will do. Let me talk to him, I will get him to see reason.
LYDIA
Do not underestimate him, I fear he may best even you.
JARED
Is that doubt I see in your eyes?
LYDIA
No more than when I was first asked to join.
JARED
I thought we got rid of those?
LYDIA
He brought them back up.
JARED
He is good.
LYDIA
Too good. If he does not comply...you will do what must be done?
JARED
I will.
LYDIA
I will inform ASTAROTH, and gather a small squadron together, may I suggest breaking this party up a bit early?
JARED
Have CASSIE take care of it. I shall attend to our guest.
LYDIA
Do not leave his sight.
LYDIA heads off as JARED looks to the TERRACE as SHANE was still drinking and watching the CITY, JARED looking a bit UNsure as he curses to himself and heads towards the thick of the PARTY where CASSIE is.
EXT. THE HANGOUT
AUSTIN and NIKKI come out, dressed in tactical gear as NIKKI has TWO BAGS full of her BLACK MARKET WEAPONS.
AUSTIN
How do you have so many damn guns?
NIKKI
I have weapons cache all over this place, AUSTIN.
AUSTIN
Is that all you do with your money?
NIKKI
Who says I pay for them?
AUSTIN
Oh that's not good.
ANTHONY bites his thumb as he has his tactical gear on, ANTHONY looking nervous as EMMA covers his eyes with her hands, ANTHONY smiling as she comes around him, EMMA rocking her own tactical gear with spray painted words and symbols on it as ANTHONY smiles at her.
ANTHONY
I forgot how ridiculous your suit is.
EMMA
I think it's quirky.
ANTHONY
Haha.
EMMA
So...you and MEL huh?
ANTHONY
What?
EMMA
I saw the look on your face when you stood up for her against CHARLES, and when you're around her. As odd as it would be for her, I think you two would be a good match.
ANTHONY
Odd? Cuz she's a witch?
EMMA
More like she's a ten, and in her book you'd probably measure up to like a...six maybe.
ANTHONY
Oh geez, thanks.
EMMA
What? I know you're a lot higher than that.
ANTHONY nods as he looks conflicted.
ANTHONY
You don't think...maybe I should...hold out for someone else?
EMMA
Like?
ANTHONY
No one at the moment.
EMMA
Exactly. She's a good looking witch, you're a pretty successful filmmaker and kind of a big deal in the entertainment market around here. And hell you're not a bad RECLAIMER either.
ANTHONY
Ha.
EMMA
What?
ANTHONY
The best I can do is, REAP. I'm not a fighter.
EMMA
You pulled me and AUSTIN'S ass out of the fire a few days back, and hell you helped save MEL from her own COVEN.
ANTHONY
If I recall, I was knocked cold, she saved you after you saved her, and AUSTIN was the one who actually killed the Head Witch.
EMMA
If you wanna get all technical about it, yea okay.
ANTHONY
If we survive this, then I'll think about it.
EMMA
What do you mean “if”?
ANTHONY
Just a precaution.
EMMA
Don't think like that.
ANTHONY
Just being realistic.
EMMA
You get that shit out of your head. We're going in there, kicking ass, taking names, getting our guy back and oh, saving the FRINGE in the process. So buck up, soldier. Time to shine.
EMMA punches ANTHONY in the chest, ANTHONY smirking as EMMA heads off to load her gear into AUSTIN'S CAR as CHARLES finally comes out of the HANGOUT, CHARLES geared up as his MACHETE HOLDERS are strapped to his back as CHARLES comes down the steps and notices a CAR pulling up, CHARLES motioning to AUSTIN and NIKKI who come near him, drawing their PISTOLS as EMMA and ANTHONY stand by, CHARLES watching as the CAR pulls up and kills the headlights, CHARLES shaking his head as BENJAMIN steps out.
BENJAMIN
CHARLES.
CHARLES
Surprised to see you here, BENJAMIN.
BENJAMIN
Gearing up for something?
CHARLES
We're just running a night tactical training run.
BENJAMIN
Is that so?
CHARLES
It's what I'm telling you.
BENJAMIN
Well I'm glad I got here when I did, I swung by earlier but you weren't around.
CHARLES
Needed to give me another stern SYSTEM warning. I know what happens if I...
BENJAMIN
Cut the act, CHARLES. Did you find him or not?
CHARLES looks at AUSTIN and NIKKI, NIKKI nodding at him as CHARLES nods.
CHARLES
Yeah. He's the old PROCESSING PLANT in QUADRANT E.
BENJAMIN
Good.
CHARLES
If you came to stop us, you won't like how this ends...
BENJAMIN
I came to help you.
CHARLES
What?
BENJAMIN
I can't give you any of the resources I would be able to use when I get the authorization to lead the assault, but I know by that time it would be too late. However I was able to procure something, rather someone who could be of great service to you.
BENJAMIN motions to the VEHICLE as The UNEVENTFUL'S watch as CHRISTIAN steps out, geared up as he was strapped in heavy armor, a MACHINE GUN in hand as he had what appeared to be a STAFF of some kind on his back.
CHRISTIAN
CHARLES. Permission to join?
CHARLES
Permission, granted.
CHRISTIAN
It's going to be fun killing some mercenaries.
CHRISTIAN comes over near AUSTIN, AUSTIN holding a fist out as CHRISTIAN pounds it with his own, the TWO smiling as they stand side by side as BENJAMIN nods.
BENJAMIN
It is all I could do, I would have asked others but if I pulled too many freelancers away from field duty the risk of discovery would be too great.
CHARLES
Not planning on tagging along.
BENJAMIN
No, I may need to be around to keep the SYSTEM off your backs should they catch wind.
CHARLES
I don't get it, why are you helping us, covering for us?
BENJAMIN
Something has to be done. I won't stand by and ignore it, this world deserves better. It deserves you and yours.
CHARLES
And you too. I was wrong about you, BEN.
BENJAMIN
And I was wrong about you as well. I see why TERESA has such an affinity for you all. You are special.
CHARLES
I wouldn't say all that.
BENJAMIN
Do not doubt your worth, not now.
CHARLES
In that case.
BENJAMIN
I do have one thing I ask of you though.
CHARLES
That is?
BENJAMIN hands CHARLES a PISTOL, CHARLES taking it as BENJAMIN steps back.
BENJAMIN
It belonged to LINTON. Be sure it says hello to DREW for me.
CHARLES
With pleasure.
BENJAMIN
Then I am off. Happy Hunting, UNEVENTFUL. And good luck to you all.
BENJAMIN heads back to his CAR and gets in, pulling off as EMMA and ANTHONY come up beside CHARLES as he turns to face them all.
CHARLES
So...who's ready to go play hero?
Everyone smiles as they nod, CHARLES looking at them with a determined and prepared look as the end was drawing near.
FADE OUT
END OF EPISODE