EPISODE 5:
WASTED YEARS
FADE IN
OPENING CREDITS
EXT. STREET
SHANE
(O.S.)
A lot of things can be set in motion after a good night's sleep.
SHANE comes over towards a MECHANIC SHOP as a LARGE HULKING GIANT wipes his brow as he comes over towards SHANE.
SHANE
Are you BRUTUS?
BRUTUS
Da, and who are you?
SHANE
My name's SHANE...
BRUTUS
Ah yes, CHARLES mentioned you would be by, he also mentioned you would be by sooner.
SHANE
Yes, sir, I forgot, things came up in the form of some Audits.
BRUTUS
RECLAIMING, always usually does. Do know that if you do get the job, audit's are not always going to be used as an excuse for missing work, I expect you here when you are to be here, understood?
SHANE
Yes, sir.
BRUTUS
Come by in a few days, I find a car for you to work on, you do a good job, I give you a job.
SHANE
Thank you...
BRUTUS
Da da, please go on. I have work to finish.
SHANE nods as he turns and heads back the way he came, SHANE smiling as he puts his hands in his jacket.
INT. NIKKI'S APARTMENT
NIKKI and AUSTIN lay on her floor, both staring upwards with wide eyed shocked gazes as they don't say anything to each other as NIKKI speaks first.
NIKKI
So uh...
AUSTIN
How was it?
NIKKI
Seriously?
AUSTIN
What?
NIKKI
We just had...whatever that was last night...
AUSTIN
Sex?
NIKKI
You know what I mean goddamnit, I always forget how shallow you are, I hate myself so much sometimes.
AUSTIN
That's kinda mean.
NIKKI
You're saying you're not self absorbed?
AUSTIN
Look, I love me some me, that's not a surprise. But come on, NIKKI. You know that the one person I'll care about more than anyone in the world is me.
NIKKI
You know that guy you're in love with?
AUSTIN
Me? Yes.
NIKKI
I'd be careful with how hard you fall for him, he's kind of a dick.
AUSTIN
Ouch.
NIKKI get's up in her birthday suit and heads to the bathroom as AUSTIN throws his arms around his head and smiles.
AUSTIN
I was amazing.
INT. THE DINER
CINDY comes by and takes EMMA'S order as CHARLES was already eating.
CHARLES
You alright there, sport?
EMMA
I'm fine, but you know you're going to piss off the other two.
CHARLES
He's ready to go.
EMMA
You really think that? I mean, CHARLES I didn't get to go on one until I was here five years, AUSTIN was longer, NIKKI a few months, but still, never two going on three weeks.
CHARLES
It's happening, so drop it.
EMMA
I will, but they won't.
CHARLES
Where are they by the way?
EMMA
They left together when me and NIKKI finished dropping off BRANT.
CHARLES
Oh god, that again, is it that time of the year?
EMMA
I'm guessing. A lot of sexual tension and NIKKI slowly going back into her turtle shell while AUSTIN slings it around like a stretched out piece of putty.
CHARLES
Fun imagery.
EMMA
I know!
EMMA smiles as she sips at her water as CHARLES goes back to eating his burger as ANTHONY comes in, ANTHONY spotting EMMA as he looks timid at first before he comes over and sits down by CHARLES, CHARLES sliding the FOLDER to him as ANTHONY opens it, CINDY quickly over.
CINDY
How are you doing, TONY?
ANTHONY
Good, CIN. Diet Coke please, and three waffles, extra butter.
CINDY
Got it.
EMMA
Hey, TONY.
ANTHONY
Hey, EMMA...
CHARLES
You're taking SHANE with you today.
ANTHONY
Really? You know the...
CHARLES
I'm aware.
ANTHONY
The mock up time and the registration for his first time is going to suck.
CHARLES
That's why the two of you head straight to the Obelisk, and get it over with as fast as possible, give you more time.
ANTHONY
Can I eat first?
CHARLES
I never said you couldn't.
EMMA
So how's living with SHANE, TONY?
ANTHONY
It's not too bad, I think he left early this morning to go talk to that Russian Giant.
CHARLES
Good. BRUTUS owes me a favor. Least he could do is hire SHANE.
ANTHONY
I'm not in a rush to kick him out like you are.
CHARLES
I'm not saying you have to, but we need to help push him along.
ANTHONY
I guess. EMMA, how's the TAVERN?
EMMA
It's still around, hasn't burnt down to the ground yet, so I suppose that's a win for me.
ANTHONY
Yeah...as long as that place has you, it's a win for them.
EMMA
awe, thanks TONY.
EMMA smirks as CHARLES smirks and shakes his head as he continues to eat as ANTHONY grabs his drink as CINDY sets it down.
CHARLES watches as SHANE comes into the DINER, scanning around as CHARLES waves him over, TONY looking at CHARLES with a saddened expression as CHARLES smirks and shrugs, SHANE coming over as he and EMMA give each other a half hug as she moves to let SHANE take a seat but CHARLES holds a hand out towards him.
CHARLES
No time, you're with ANTHONY today, you need to get over to registration right now, TERESA is waiting for you.
SHANE
Can't I eat breakfast first?
CHARLES
See, I told TONY here that he could, and well that's not panning out so well for him, so I'm a go ahead and shoot straight with you and say, no.
SHANE
Dammit.
ANTHONY
Come on.
ANTHONY goes to pull out some cash but CHARLES stops him.
CHARLES
I'll take care of this one.
ANTHONY nods as he follows SHANE out of the DINER as EMMA looks at CHARLES who goes back to eating.
EMMA
So what's really going on?
CHARLES
I'll explain when the others get here.
EMMA looks at CHARLES a bit concerned as CHARLES continues eating, with a somewhat distant gaze in his eyes.
EXT. STREET
ANTHONY leads SHANE through some corridors along the back alleys of the CITY SCAPE.
ANTHONY
Going into the Living World is a bit of a process, see before the ANGELS and DEMONS occupied the FRINGE, there was a temporal gateway that allowed all the creatures who inhabited the world before to traverse whenever they pleased, but the ANGELS put a stop to that. They built the modulator called the OBELISK which shortened and corralled the gateway.
SHANE
And they relegate the hell out of the traffic flow of who comes and goes.
ANTHONY
Pretty much.
SHANE
So what, do we just...show up looking like ourselves?
ANTHONY
No, we get retrofitted with a Temp Body, allowing our souls to mask within the world, otherwise we get thrown into...well, nowhere good.
SHANE
Doesn't sound like it.
ANTHONY
Basically we still hide behind the veil of reality, we're there, we can interact, but only the dying, near dead, or soon to be marked can see us.
SHANE
Nifty.
ANTHONY
Oh, yeah. It's up ahead.
ANTHONY leads SHANE into a fenced off and gated clearing, SHANE watching as the STRUCTURE protecting the area was heavily guarded with ANGELS and DEMONS, SHANE watching as ANTHONY has his I.D. Scanned at the GATE ENTRANCE before motioning SHANE to stand in a circular area a few inches to the left of the GATE, SHANE watching as a bright light shines under him, scanning him up and down with a GREEN INFRARED LASER before giving a loud BEEP. SHANE steps off as an ANGELIC GUARD comes over and scans his I.D. Waiting for a moment before the scanner registers and activation code. The ANGEL steps aside as ANTHONY waits for him, SHANE hurrying up next to ANTHONY as the two walk down the LONG TUNNEL that leads into the OPEN AREA where the OBELISK was held.
SHANE
What the hell was that?
ANTHONY
Clearance and the scanner were making a particle and tack-ion account of your body and structure.
SHANE
for the Temp Body?
ANTHONY
Yes. Welcome to the OBELISK.
SHANE comes into the clearing and marvels at the large Science camp like setting, strange technology and machines were built all around the marvelous structure as SHANE notices a LARGE FRAME built around a GLOWING BRIGHT AND DARK SWIRLING COLORED MIST, as ANTHONY comes over to a few MEN behind some computers.
ANTHONY
GAVIEL, MULCIBER, JERRY.
SHANE comes over as An ANGEL, A DEMON, and an UNDEAD MAN look up from the computers and say a unanimous greeting to ANTHONY with smiles as ANTHONY shakes all their hands, SHANE coming over to him as ANTHONY pats SHANE on the back and presents him to the three.
ANTHONY
SHANE, these are the top three brightest minds within the entire FRINGE, this is GAVIEL, an angel super wiz who actually created the stabilizer that condensed the gateway.
GAVIEL
Nice to meet you.
SHANE
Same.
ANTHONY
This is MULCIBER, DEMON HIGH SCIENTIST, came up with the TEMP BODY displacement systems.
MULCIBER
HUMAN.
ANTHONY
Be nice, MULCIBER.
SHANE
Nice to meet you too.
ANTHONY
Last but not least is JERRY LANGSTROM. UNDEAD SCIENTIST who worked closely with Einstein, and perhaps even came up with most if not all the theories that he presented.
SHANE
Pleasure.
JERRY
Likewise.
ANTHONY
These three sexy motherfuckers make up the TRIO, the all around creative and technological geniuses that keep the FRINGE running in it's utopia-like science fiction setting.
JERRY
Referring to it as SCIENCE here is laughable, ANTHONY. It is SUPREME HIGH MAGIC, but to you all, it can be viewed as science, and technology.
MULCIBER
You have explained this to him a dozen times, and it still falls on his simple minded ears.
ANTHONY
No one cares, dorks. You got my TEMP BODY ready or not?
MULCIBER
You know we do, you're here more often than any other RECLAIMER.
ANTHONY
What's the status of my friend's here?
JERRY
SYSTEM is still uploading all his cosmic makeup, right now it's sitting about 47% so you may want to take a few minutes to yourself while it continues loading.
ANTHONY reaches over and takes a SILVER AND JADE colored WRIST GUARD, ANTHONY strapping it on to his left arm as SHANE hears a familiar voice coming up from behind.
TERESA
(O.S.)
Hello, UNEVENTFUL'S.
ANTHONY and SHANE turn as TERESA struts very business like towards them, paperwork in hand as TERESA hands ANTHONY the files, ANTHONY opening it as he looks it over as TERESA looks at SHANE who smirks at her.
TERESA
I have to say I am rather shocked...if not even a little appalled that after your grave mistake not a few days removed, you would be sent to the Living World. Rewarding the troublesome, it seems CHARLES may be losing his touch.
ANTHONY
Calling a REAP a reward is not exactly accurate, TERESA. I would say you should be a little more fair in your assessments to the newbs.
TERESA
I would say you should speak with a little bit more respect to your boss. I am not to be talked to in such a casual and unprofessional manner.
SHANE
How surprising, you with a stick in your ass.
TERESA
I see such warnings fell on deaf ears.
SHANE
No, just doing the world a PSA.
SHANE can hear MULCIBER and JERRY snicker, TERESA staring a dagger at both of them as they quickly go back to their panels and screens as ANTHONY comes over, putting himself a bit more between the two of them.
ANTHONY
I think we can take it from here, TERESA, thanks for showing your support.
TERESA
I am only here because I am required to enter my pass code to allow the new soul to pass through the OBELISK GATEWAY, or else...
TERESA stares at SHANE.
TERESA
I would have never put myself into his presence.
SHANE
Likewise.
TERESA hurries off angrily as SHANE turns to ANTHONY who looks confused.
ANTHONY
What did you do to piss that chick off?
SHANE
Just...told it like it was during our meeting a few days back.
ANTHONY
Oh. Might want to watch who you do that with around here. Some friends are not meant to be enemies, com-padre.
SHANE
She's just our boss.
ANTHONY
And a high ranking ANGEL OVERSEER who gets us great work, and keeps us working...and even alive.
SHANE
What?
ANTHONY
Ask me some other time. JERRY, how are we coming along?
JERRY
About a few more minutes, ANTHONY.
ANTHONY
Damn. Alright, I guess I can go ahead and fill you in on whom we're reaping.
ANTHONY hands SHANE the files, SHANE taking them as ANTHONY folds his arm.
ANTHONY
Make sure you read the whole thing this time.
SHANE
Fuck off.
The TWO SNICKER as SHANE pulls up some pages with copious amounts of information on it.
SHANE
Phillip Faison.
ANTHONY
Father of two, 32 years of age, white.
SHANE
Guy lived quite a life. What happened to his wife?
ANTHONY
She died. About three years back.
SHANE
Yeah, I just read...suicide. Fuck.
ANTHONY
Yeah.
SHANE
Say's here...the kid's are only Six and 13. Oh man.
ANTHONY
Nothing we can do about that.
SHANE
But...
ANTHONY
It's gotta happen.
SHANE
So how does he go?
ANTHONY
We don't know, that just sorta happens.
SHANE
Do we get a location, time of death, anything?
ANTHONY
Nope, see...
JERRY
CODEX uploaded and saved, installing into his wrist guard now.
ANTHONY pats SHANE over towards the table as MULCIBER waits for a few moments before unhooking the WRIST GUARD and handing it to SHANE, SHANE taking it as ANTHONY comes over and stops SHANE from putting it on his right arm.
SHANE
What?
ANTHONY
Put it on the left arm.
SHANE
Why?
GAVIEL
The OBELISK responds to the Wrist Guard as a neural transportable device, on top of acting as a spiritual compressor and temporary body.
ANTHONY
It only works on your left arm for some reason.
SHANE
He could've just said that.
SHANE puts the WRIST GUARD onto his left arm and straps it on tightly as ANTHONY gives GAVIEL a thumbs up before walking towards the GATEWAY, the GUARDS began shouting orders and forming up around them as ANTHONY and SHANE walk up the stairs and over to an area with SEVEN CIRCULAR PLATFORMS. ANTHONY takes one and points for SHANE to take the one nearest him as the TWO watch a WHITE LIGHT SHOOT UP AROUND THEM.
GAVIEL
PLATFORMS READING CLEAR. UPLOADING DESTINATION CODEX
JERRY
SOUL SIGNATURES AND GATEWAY COMPULSION ARE OVERLAPPING AND CONNECTING.
MULCIBER
REQUIRED PASS CODE REGISTRATION NEEDED.
SHANE looks over to see TERESA reluctantly typing a long pass code onto a shimmering keyboard near the GATEWAY, the KEYBOARD suddenly disappearing into the air as a loud buzz can be heard once it does.
MULCIBER
PASS CODE ACCEPTED, OBELISK ONLINE, TRANSPORTING IN THREE...TWO...ONE...
SHANE looks nervously over at ANTHONY who smiles at him and throws him a thumbs up before the two watch as the GATEWAY began to grow and grow further out towards them before it engulfs them in a flash of light, and in in that flash, the TWO were gone from the OBELISK and from the world of the FRINGE.
INT. DINER
NIKKI is fuming as AUSTIN was holding his hands behind his head, turning red with rage as EMMA looks at them a bit scared as CHARLES wore a stoic expression as NIKKI walked back and forth.
NIKKI
This is fucking bullshit, CHARLES!
CHARLES
I understand that.
AUSTIN
No obviously you fucking don't me and NIKKI both were up for the next REAP!
CHARLES
Calm down.
AUSTIN
You send the fucking new guy! He hasn't even been here a few months and he's already getting to go to the goddamned living world, before we were rightly owed!
CHARLES scans around as he notices some of the occupants watching them, CINDY seeming a bit worried as CHARLES calmly looks back at them.
CHARLES
Did I, or did I just not tell you to calm down.
AUSTIN
Fuck you! And fuck your calm down, this is fucking bullshit and you...
CHARLES
Shut the fuck up! And calm down!
The way in which CHARLES spoke quickly turned AUSTIN cold as he didn't utter a single word, just loudly pouted and slammed his fist against the table as NIKKI stopped pacing and stands besides EMMA.
CHARLES waits a few moments before opening his mouth again.
CHARLES
Now, if you two hot heads would have allowed me to speak earlier before jumping into a goddamned temper tantrum like spoiled children, you would know that I had a very specific reason for keeping the three of you back, and sending those two off.
EMMA
Okay...what is it then?
CHARLES
A week ago, a facility was raided...
FLASHBACK
EXT. FACILITY
A HOODED FIGURE walks out of the LARGE DOCKING DOORS.
CHARLES
(V.O)
This person stole valuable information, and then destroyed the facility.
THE FACILITY EXPLODES in a glorious explosion as the HOODED FIGURE doesn't even flinch.
INT. DINER
AUSTIN and NIKKI both look at each other as they seem to be understanding the gravity of what was being said.
CHARLES
Then...two days ago, another facility was raided, but a group of RECLAIMERS were working on the previous job, and caught up with the culprit...
INT. DATA ROOM
SEVEN RECLAIMER'S burst into a room, their ASSORTMENT of WEAPONS raised as they scream at the HOODED FIGURE who was sitting at the LARGE COMPUTER, as THOUSANDS OF WORDS, LETTERS, AND OTHER SYMBOLS were streamlining about quickly across the dozens of screens.
THE HOODED FIGURE stands and kicks the CHAIR in one swift motion, watching as the CHAIR KNOCKS INTO A RECLAIMER, KNOCKING HIM BACK as THE HOODED FIGURE runs and jump kicks a 2ND RECLAIMER out of the room before dodging a few of their fire, the HOODED FIGURE quickly disarming a nearby RECLAIMER and firing his weapon into his face, the HOODED FIGURE spinning as he fires and shoots the nearest two in the face before he tosses the GUN and knocks another RECLAIMER off balance before he runs over and lands a series of punches and knees before snapping the RECLAIMERS neck.
The RECLAIMER that was kicked out of the room tosses a THROWING DAGGER at the HOODED FIGURE but the HOODED FIGURE catches it and tosses it right back, impaling the RECLAIMER in the eye before he judo flips one of the last RECLAIMER'S that had run up and grabbed him from behind, stomping down as he smashes his boot into his face, watching as the face conclaves inward.
The last standing RECLAIMER twists a ROUND OBJECT and hears it arm as the GRENADE BEEPS that it is PRIMED, the RECLAIMER tossing it at the COMPUTER but the HOODED FIGURE flips and catches it in his left hand, tossing it back towards the RECLAIMER'S feet who screams as she disappears behind the explosion.
INT. DINER
The THREE look at CHARLES in horror.
CHARLES
He was able to get whatever he needed off of that facility database as well.
AUSTIN
Sounds like those RECLAIMER'S got their asses kicked.
CHARLES
Not just that...
EMMA
He...killed them...?
INT. DATA ROOM
The RECLAIMER with the snapped neck watches with a tear coming out of his left eyes as the HOODED FIGURE was pacing from body to body, stabbing a BLADE into each other downed UNDEAD RECLAIMER'S EYES, the RECLAIMER watching as his teammates souls were bursting into bright light, forever vanquished.
INT. DINER
The FOUR watch on a small translucent screen that was hovering over their table from a transmission by the RECLAIMER that was watching the acts, the FOUR seeing what he was seeing as the HOODED FIGURE comes over and bends down beside him, stabbing into one eye, skewing the transmission as EMMA covers her mouth and gasps at the sound of the first stab, NIKKI looking a bit uneasy as CHARLES and AUSTIN watch with stern faces. But as they continued, they heard the RECLAIMER exclaim something and the three RECLAIMER'S beside CHARLES exclaim the same way.
NIKKI
Holy shit.
EMMA
Oh no...not him...
CHARLES
I'm afraid so, EMMA...We have been commissioned...to finally do what no one else has been able to...
The FOUR watch as the HOODED FIGURE'S face was revealed, a STRONG BROWED, TOUGH JAW of a MAN who was smiling into the transmission feed.
CHARLES
We have to stop JARED MORTON...
The FOUR watch as the TRANSMISSION suddenly goes dark when JARED MORTON stands and stabs the blade downward.
EXT. DOCKSIDE
SHANE opens his eyes as he drops to a knee and vomits, SHANE clutching his stomach as the liquid was pouring out of him for a few moments before he leans onto his side and coughs loudly, taking deep loud gasping breaths as ANTHONY runs over to him and drops to his knees.
ANTHONY
Shit, I forgot, breath, SHANE, look at me, SHANE, buddy, listen to me, take deep breaths, in and out, your temp body is adjusting to being back in the living world for the first time, no artificial sun, no artificial gravity and what not, this is all powerful cosmic inner workings so just breathe...come on...
SHANE begins getting his breath and self together as ANTHONY looks around to see the DOCK was busy but no one was paying them any amount of attention, as they could not be seen.
SHANE sits up and after a few moments holds a hand out as ANTHONY had stood, ANTHONY pulling SHANE to his feet as SHANE spits up some residue throw up and adjusting his eyes he looks about.
SHANE
Holy shit...I'm back...
ANTHONY
Yep.
SHANE
How long...since I died?
ANTHONY
It's December.
SHANE
Eight months? I've only been in the FRINGE a few?
ANTHONY
Like I said, time passes differently between intervals. You could come back in three years time and it will be six hours here. Time is constantly changing and moving you cannot tap into unfettered cosmic based perceptions of time.
SHANE
That was a hell of an attack.
ANTHONY
The Temp Body will get used to the atmosphere and overall flow of the world the more you come about. However, these bodies don't have a long stabilizing rate.
SHANE
How long do we have?
ANTHONY
Two days tops, then we have to see BARRY.
SHANE
Who's BARRY?
ANTHONY
He's the liaison between the LIVING WORLD and our world, he's how we get back and forth, once we're done, we contact him with our wrist guards and send us home.
SHANE
Nice.
ANTHONY
So this is where he works, last known location. So from here we just...check the locations we have on file of where he stays, frequents, and whatnot, hell maybe get lucky and bump into him on the street.
SHANE
And then what?
ANTHONY
You'll see, come on, I'll fill you in, let's walk.
The TWO begin down the DOCK, SHANE watching as he was walking through people who couldn't see or hear them, SHANE smirking a bit as he marveled about again.
SHANE
Look out world...SHANE YATES is back.
ANTHONY
Ha, if only. If anything TWELVE PAST MIDNIGHT has arrived.
SHANE
Yeah, but I wanted something that wasn't as depressing.
ANTHONY pats him on the shoulder as they head further out into the DOCKS towards the STREET.
INT. WAR ROOM
CHARLES stands by a LARGE SHIMMERING SCREEN that had the best image of JARED MORTON from the VIDEO on display along with hundreds of other pictures of JARED hovering about a LARGE MAP that was pinpointing and binging about. EMMA was at a computer, surrounded by files and other pictures of JARED as AUSTIN and NIKKI were at a coffee table not far from CHARLES looking over data streams and maps.
CHARLES
Alright, EMMA, you're my Intel and go to for recon, what do we have on JARED MORTON?
EMMA
He showed up within the FRINGE about six hundred years ago, turned down his Tribunal offer about sixty eight years in, and was assigned to an ALPHA LEVEL RECLAIMING GROUP after showcasing extreme durability, and overall instincts.
AUSTIN
The guy was a fucking beast, took down more people in bounty hunts then even an entire team could in a few years, he was assigned 3,456 missions, solo and with the ALPHA TEAM, and never failed once.
NIKKI
Then eighty years ago, something happened, the mission parameters are still classified, EMMA any progress?
EMMA
The last time I tried to hack into an Angelic data stream server to unlock information....
CHARLES
We remember, let's not do that again...NIKKI, continue.
NIKKI
Anyways, his entire ALPHA TEAM winds up dead, his HANDLER and LEAD, dead, the DEMON who was the ALPHA UNIT'S OVERSEER, disappeared, hasn't been found or seen since.
EMMA
Ever since then, JARED'S been on the lamb, with one of the highest bounties within the entire FRINGE heaped on his head. But the guy's been a proverbial ghost. Sightings here and there over that last eighty years, however there are constant reports that he resides in the UNDERWORLD.
CHARLES
And seeing how the SYSTEM does not get involved in the UNDERWORLD...
EMMA
Precisely.
AUSTIN
I can't believe they've never sent anyone after this guy.
CHARLES
They have, I'm sure of that, but I would also wager that once those people came up dead, they figured it was better to wait for him to surface.
AUSTIN
Yeah, and look where that got them.
EMMA
So within the last three years he's been beginning to show up more and more. He killed a few VAMPIRES and stole some weapon caches they were using to smuggle, and aside a few things here and there, the last week has been the most aggressive and most concrete evidence we've had of him.
CHARLES
Which brings us to why we're here.
AUSTIN
Yeah, I've been wondering that. I mean...this guy was ALPHA, this guy killed SEVEN RECLAIMER'S recently and took out an entire ALPHA LEVEL UNIT. Not to mention he's smart as hell, dangerous as all fuck and has no motive whats so ever, so I'm asking this not to be a dick, but just on the cautionary side, why the hell are we the ones going after him? Just the four of us, mind you?
CHARLES
TERESA vouched for us, hard. It also didn't hurt that all the ALPHA UNITS didn't put in a bid, and the only counter bid was from a low level upstart unit.
AUSTIN
Does TERESA know who the hell we're going up against?
CHARLES
Yes.
AUSTIN
So the bitch wants us dead.
NIKKI
AUSTIN, shut up.
CHARLES
Look, we're not expected to bring this guy down, all we're expected to do at the very least, is stop him from getting what is in this building...
CHARLES switches the picture of JARED on the large screen over to an INDUSTRIAL BUILDING.
CHARLES
This is his next target.
AUSTIN
How do we know that?
CHARLES
Because of this.
CHARLES pulls out a CUBED DEVICE and sets it on the ground, pushing in a sequence that causes the CUBE to open and display a series of documents, maps, and other images into a 3D visual in the middle of the floor, the THREE RECLAIMER' coming up to it at various points as CHARLES walks through it, sliding information about to bring up the ones he wants to show.
CHARLES
The files are all encrypted and they won't say what exactly the nature of the information he is stealing is, but we do know that it is an ANGELIC CODEX.
AUSTIN
a CODEX? He's going through all this for a CODEX?
EMMA
Not any CODEX, CHARLES look.
EMMA takes some files and slides it towards CHARLES, CHARLES watching as EMMA paces about.
CHARLES
Well I'll be.
AUSTIN
What?
NIKKI
The information they're hiding is extremely valuable. They split the information into three separate data streams and stashed them in those buildings.
CHARLES
So it seems. The Second data stream is what he took first.
AUSTIN
And the first data stream is what he took second, when he took out the RECLAIMING GROUP?
CHARLES
Precisely.
AUSTIN
So he saved third for third. Why?
CHARLES
We don't know, but we know he's going to be moving in on it.
AUSTIN
So why did he destroy the buildings in the first place? He got what he needed, why the extra damage? Why call attention to himself, even if he has to know that...?
EMMA
The Data streams were completely absconded with, and the downloader he was using completely pulled the files out of the entire system.
AUSTIN
Meaning?
NIKKI
He didn't just steal the information, he stole the exact source of the data stream.
CHARLES
Destroying the buildings because the networks were the only links because the data streams were separated.
AUSTIN
So he stole the main source information, and by destroying the buildings he destroyed the data stream as well, meaning he now has the only source code of that particular part of the CODEX?
NIKKI
Good boy, AUSTIN.
AUSTIN
Yep, I'm no slouch.
CHARLES
So he's got the master copies and destroyed any way of recovering or using them. Meaning this last one is very important.
EMMA
Boss...this is way over our head, how are we gonna stop this guy...and worse...what the hell is this CODEX that he's stealing?
CHARLES
I don't know, EMMA. But we've got to stop him, one way or another. I'm not guaranteeing that we're going to come out alive on this one, or even succeed. All I can say is that we can try. Cuz The UNEVENTFUL'S don't give up.
NIKKI
Let's do this, boss.
AUSTIN
I've always wanted to go toe to toe with the best, what better way to do it.
EMMA
Yeah, I'm in.
CHARLES
Alright, I've got a two part plan here, as long as one of them goes well...the second one won't matter as much, but I'll explain it on the way there. Gear up, and let's go.
CHARLES bends over and taps the CUBE, watching as the images fire back into the CUBE and closes up as AUSTIN, NIKKI, and EMMA head off as CHARLES tosses the CUBE up in the air for a few moments and catches it, a smirk going across his face before he heads off towards his own locker.
EXT. STREET
SHANE soaks in the sun as ANTHONY watches him walk arms outstretched, not caring about what's in front of him.
ANTHONY
Nothing like the real thing huh?
SHANE
I never really thought you could tell a difference. Amazing.
ANTHONY
Life is.
SHANE
So why us?
ANTHONY
Why us what?
SHANE
Why are we reaping? I mean, I live in a world made up of all kinds of creatures and other out worldly things, you're telling me there weren't really any Grim Reapers?
ANTHONY
Oh there was.
SHANE
Then...what the hell happened?
ANTHONY
Well, in a quick FRINGE history 101 lesson, the REAPERS were inhabitants of the FRINGE, but they were few and far between, and according to legend, DEATH himself...or herself...had them decreed to never get involved with any and all creatures.
SHANE
Okay? What happened?
ANTHONY
The OCCUPATION WAR.
SHANE
The what?
ANTHONY
You think the ANGELS and DEMONS just showed up and the CREATURES just gave their world up? Oh no, like the NATIVE AMERICANS did here, they put up a fight, a resistance, the war was...devastating, ANGELS, DEMONS, MONSTERS, they all paid a price, but the ANGELS and DEMONS prevailed. The story goes, that a lone REAPER broke their decree and joined the RESISTANCE during the WAR. Now this portion of it is again, all part of legend as this WAR happened an easy 3000 years or so here, and even longer ago then. But it's said that as punishment the REAPER was killed or sacrificed or something. DEATH did not approve.
SHANE
So he what, pulled his REAPERS out?
ANTHONY
Yes.
SHANE
I see. And the ANGELS and DEMONS needed someone or something to keep the business going?
ANTHONY
Yeah, they started with VAMPIRES, cuz they weren't allowed to get directly involved either, but VAMPIRES got complacent, thirsty...greedy. They didn't last very long, around that time GAVIEL figured out the OBELISK, MULCIBER helped, and us UNDEAD were then tasked with this very important process. We're here.
ANTHONY and SHANE come up to a NICE TWO STORY HOME in a nice residential neighborhood as ANTHONY goes up to the GATE that leads up to the first set of stairs but SHANE grabs ANTHONY by the arm, stopping his approach.
SHANE
What are you doing?
ANTHONY
Going to talk to PHILLIP FAISON?
SHANE
Talk?
ANTHONY
Yeah...look.
ANTHONY comes back down and looks around as he faces SHANE with a somber expression.
ANTHONY
REAPING isn't just about taking a soul. We don't even hardly see when or how it happens. It could happen, six hours from when we take him, or three months. We don't know. But we have two days to convince him to allow us to reap his soul, or else it's defaulted.
SHANE
What do you mean?
ANTHONY
Look, being reaped is a choice.
SHANE
Well I didn't get a fucking choice!?
ANTHONY
Calm down. Look not everyone does. A soul that is up for being reaped has two paths it could take. This guy could be a really good guy, and he goes straight up...or the opposite and he goes straight down. We don't take the soul, we mark it.
SHANE
Mark it?
ANTHONY
Sorta like a beacon, so when his time comes, his soul is taken from the body and transported straight to where he belongs, in death he feels no pain, no anything.
SHANE
What happens if it defaults? Or if he says no?
ANTHONY
Then he dies, and he feels his death...and then his soul comes to the FRINGE, and he goes through the same long process as everyone else does, now from there he could still wind up going wherever he needs to be, or he could choose to stay like some of us did...well not us...but others. Trust me, we're offering him a lot better option than just...whatever.
SHANE
So if we get him to agree, and we mark him...job well done, good payday, end of that?
ANTHONY
Yes.
SHANE
Doesn't seem that hard.
ANTHONY
We're about to tell a man that he is going to die, and that it is going to happen at any point and time, and that he has a choice of either accepting where he will go, or dying painfully and standing in a long line full of other dead people. Trust me, this is not easy. Now, you stay quiet unless you feel you have something good to contribute, otherwise watch the master, let's go.
ANTHONY heads back up the stairs as SHANE follows, ANTHONY coming over as he wings the doorbell.
SHANE looks about as he notices a few people drive by but nobody notices.
As he does the DOOR OPENS, and PHILLIP FAISON comes into frame, looking the two over as ANTHONY smiles at him as SHANE nods.
PHILLIP
Can I help you?
ANTHONY
I don't think it's so much can you help us, as much as we are here to help you, may we come in?
PHILLIP
Uh look I'm not interested in what you're selling, so thank you, have a good day...
ANTHONY
Sir, please, you're just talking to air right now, least that's how most people are going to view it if anyone is looking, and if you shut the door, I'm just going to come through it and keep pestering you until you agree to hear me out.
PHILLIP
I'm closing my door now.
PHILLIP closes his door and ANTHONY huffs as he walks through it, SHANE looking confused as he goes to do the same but just bangs against the door, hitting his face against it as he falls over and grabs his nose screaming and cursing.
INT. FAISON HOME
PHILLIP backs away in horror as ANTHONY stands in front of him near the door, PHILLIP unsure of what to do or say as ANTHONY holds a hand up towards him, to calm him down.
ANTHONY
Relax, man. I'm not here to hurt you.
PHILLIP
What the fuck is going on?!
ANTHONY
I'm going to open the door and let my friend in and then we're going to need to go somewhere and just talk for awhile, are you son's home?
PHILLIP
I...
ANTHONY
Look they won't be able to see or hear us, and we can't even hurt or touch them, so are they home?
PHILLIP
I...I...uh, yes, their upstairs.
ANTHONY
Okay, we'll talk in the study you have back there, I'm going to let my friend in is that okay?
PHILLIP
I guess so...
ANTHONY
Thank you.
ANTHONY opens the door and SHANE is still standing up as he holds his nose and walks in, PHILLIP looking confused and scared as SHANE fixes his nose.
SHANE
Why didn't I go through the fucking door?
ANTHONY
Sorry, you have to sorta picture it. Picture yourself going through, sorta like how you have to picture yourself grabbing or pushing, touching things, should have hit on that earlier so that's my bad.
SHANE
Yeah, no shit.
PHILLIP
Will some one tell me what the fuck is going on!?
ANTHONY
My name is ANTHONY, this is SHANE. We're here to talk to you about what happens to you at some undisclosed point and time in the near future. We are here to talk about your death.
PHILLIP
My...
ANTHONY
Please...let's talk where the kid's can't hear you, they'd only be hearing you.
PHILLIP
Uh, okay...in here...
PHILLIP turns and leads them into his study as SHANE and ANTHONY come in and watch as PHILLIP goes and pours himself a drink at his mini bar, ANTHONY taking a seat as SHANE stands off to the side, PHILLIP turning as he takes a drink and comes over.
PHILLIP
So...what are you ghosts or something?
ANTHONY
Something like that, we're UNDEAD. Neither living nor completely dead.
PHILLIP
I see that.
ANTHONY
It's a bit of a long tale, but let me get to the crux of what you need to know. There is an afterlife. A heaven, and a hell. And something in between, that's where we come from. My job, and his job, is to come and find people like you, people who have lived absolute lives. Lives of good or bad. And we're to mark you. With that marker on your soul, when you go...which is soon...you will be transported straight to your destination, and you will feel no pain. If you refuse...you will feel whatever pains befalls your body and soul in death, and you will come to our world, the FRINGE, where you will go through a very long and boring processing period to determine what happens to your soul next...now I know this is a lot to take in all at once...
PHILLIP
I don't think I'm drunk enough for this.
ANTHONY
Perhaps not, but you should really try and understand the gravity and the blessing this opportunity is.
PHILLIP
Blessing and opportunity? You're telling me I'm going to end up dead soon...like my wife...and...and that what, If I take some deal now I wont' feel anything and if not, screw you, take the pain and deal with whatever?
SHANE
That does sound a little fucked huh?
ANTHONY glares at SHANE who shrugs as PHILLIP shakes his head and finds a seat to sit down in.
PHILLIP
What about my boys?
ANTHONY
Hopefully you have time to...make arrangements, set things in motion that they are taken care of.
PHILLIP
...They just lost their mother a few years ago...can't you...can't you delay or something...
ANTHONY
Doesn't work like that. I don't even know when you're going to go, or how or why, all I know is that there is a window here that I have to operate within to convince you that going to where you belong when you need to go is the right thing to do.
PHILLIP
Like my wife?
ANTHONY doesn't say anything as PHILLIP looks at SHANE who doesn't know what to say as PHILLIP looks back at ANTHONY.
PHILLIP
Did my wife get this same offer...or am I just that much better than her, that I get saved for last...?
ANTHONY
I wouldn't know, I didn't reap your wife, PHILLIP. Look I understand your hostility...
PHILLIP
You don't understand shit!
VOICE
(O.S.)
Dad?
PHILLIP watches as his 13 year, SCOTT comes into the STUDY, SCOTT looking around as he sees no one else in the room but PHILLIP but PHILLIP looks between the two hoping that SCOTT would see them, or prove something to him, but when he realized he couldn't, ANTHONY simply nods at him as PHILLIP rubs his head.
PHILLIP
Yeah, SCOTT, what is it?
SCOTT
Uh, you alright old man, you never drink this early?
PHILLIP
Oh, yeah sorry, been...been a long day.
SCOTT
Alright. Well, DREW has his karate class at 7 remember?
PHILLIP
Yes, I did, uh, where are you going?
SCOTT
I'm going to go spend the night over at NATHAN'S, his dad said it was alright, cuz you know they're going to be going out of town for the holiday here soon and he said it would...
PHILLIP
It's fine, just, call in everyday and I want you back in a few days.
SCOTT
Alright, cool. I'm waiting outside, remember, 7 O clock!
PHILLIP
I will...
SCOTT
Alright, later dad, love ya.
PHILLIP
Love you too...
SCOTT leaves out the front door as ANTHONY and SHANE look at each other as PHILLIP shakes his head and drops the glass in his hands, buries his palms into his face and begins balling.
EXT. INDUSTRIAL BUILDING
AUSTIN looks about as there was no signs of guards or any gates or fences to block it off, AUSTIN shaking his head as NIKKI was loading up her weapons bag from her CAR as EMMA was around a different part of the building, CHARLES watching closely from a undisclosed location as AUSTIN pushes his com link into his ear.
AUSTIN
I don't get it, this place holds some super secret data stream that is needed for some uber CODEX and there's absolutely no security, what the fuck?
CHARLES
(O.S.)
High security brings suspicion. The buildings were all...plain, and un operational, why stock it with guards and draw attention to it when you're trying to hide valuable information. It makes sense to stash and leave the area unattended so it doesn't...
AUSTIN
Yeah, yeah, okay I got it.
NIKKI hands AUSTIN a SHOTGUN as AUSTIN pumps and looks about before NIKKI straps the bag around her body and heads towards the BUILDING.
NIKKI
Alright, we're entering into the SOUTHERN ENTRANCE, EMMA you enter into the NORTH, and rendezvous with us inside, and keep your damn eyes peeled. CHARLES...uh, I guess do what you do.
CHARLES
(O.S.)
I'll be in as soon as I'm done, just make sure you get EMMA to that data server.
NIKKI
I will.
NIKKI and AUSTIN head up towards the DOUBLE DOORS that lead into the INDUSTRIAL BUILDING and as they draw closer, NIKKI kicks her left out and kicks the door in, AUSTIN aiming in, turning his flashlight on that he attached to the SHOTGUN and their way towards the BUILDING.
INT. INDUSTRIAL BUILDING
NIKKI turns her light on as she scans around from her MACHINE GUN, AUSTIN looking about as beams, wires and other unused equipment were strewn about intermittently throughout the lower level as NIKKI brings up a schematic on a 3D virtual map.
NIKKI
I'm not getting any strong electrical signatures...the data servers must be in a room that's been built around with thick electrical transmission blockers.
AUSTIN
EMMA?
EMMA
(O.S.)
Faint sources here and there but that could just be readings from off the local power grids, we'd have to go up higher to really get anything. How many stories are we looking at, NIK?
NIKKI
I've got sixteen.
AUSTIN
Oh this is going to go great.
NIKKI
The first building that he broke into had the data stream on the sixth floor, the second building was the third floor.
AUSTIN
A pattern?
NIKKI
Maybe, maybe not. If it were a pattern it could go by intervals of 3, meaning there's a good chance they could have put the data stream on the ground floor here, or on the Ninth floor.
CHARLES
(O.S.)
Worth checking into, AUSTIN find EMMA and escort her to the Ninth floor, NIKKI can handle herself and search the ground floor for anything.
AUSTIN
Rodger. EMMA, I'm coming to you.
AUSTIN looks at his transmitter and finds EMMA'S dot, AUSTIN heading off towards her as NIKKI scans about with her own, gun still leveled about as she cautiously makes her away throughout the building.
A FEW FLOORS UP
AUSTIN huffs to himself as EMMA continues up the stairs, EMMA stopping as AUSTIN catches his breath before slowly trudging upwards.
EMMA
For a guy so in shape, you suck at climbing stairs.
AUSTIN
My one weakness...well that and cuse.
EMMA rolls her eyes as she continues upwards as AUSTIN takes some deep breaths and follows upwards.
NIKKI meanwhile continues to scan about, her flashlight shining about as it was the only light aside her transmitter that she had, NIKKI coming about as she takes a turn and scans around, noticing some high beams in place above her as the area was mostly open but beginning to narrow, NIKKI looking at her transmitter as she notices a small electrical surge appear.
NIKKI
You guys, I think I have a ping.
AUSTIN
(O.S.)
Are you shitting me?
NIKKI
I'm looking into it.
AUSTIN
I swear to god it better not be down there, I just walked up six flights of fucking stairs.
NIKKI
Oh my god shut up.
NIKKI aims as she draws closer towards a corner in the back left end, NIKKI noticing the signature is growing stronger, but as she does she does not notice the HOODED FIGURE lowering from one hand on a high beam right behind her. NIKKI draws closer to the sound and typing a sequence into the transmitter she hears an automated clicking sound and watches as a WALL PANEL SLIDES to the LEFT, revealing the DATA STREAM COMPUTERS and SCREENS.
NIKKI
EMMA, AUSTIN get down here now I found the...
NIKKI turns and goes to fire but JARED side steps her fire and disarms her quickly slamming a open palm into her side, dropping her to her knees as he pulls his hood back, NIKKI sneering up at him as JARED MORTON looks at her with a wry grin.
JARED
Well hello there, beautiful.
NIKKI goes to stand and throw her own punch but JARED knocks it down and chops her in the throat, before spinning and sweep kicking her legs from under her, NIKKI landing hard as JARED moves the robe down on his left arm and types into his transmitter, watching as the flood lights from the BUILDING begin turning on one by one, lighting the area up as JARED looks at NIKKI who was beginning to move.
JARED
Ah Ah.
JARED kicks her hard in the ribs, dropping her back flat on her chest as JARED comes over to the DATA STREAM.
JARED
Let's be a girl and just lay there for a moment, hmm?
JARED begins typing on the screen but as he does he turns and flips out of the way as AUSTIN ran into frame from the corner and fired at him, missing the computer but also JARED as JARED jumps and swings from a high beam, AUSTIN aiming and goes to fire but realizing he forgot to pump moves out of the way as JARED lands with a hard attempt to kick AUSTIN in the face, the TWO men staring each other down with a grin as EMMA runs over to NIKKI who pushes her towards the data streams.
EMMA quickly places something into a slot.
EMMA
Charles now!
JARED looks over at EMMA as he then eyes AUSTIN.
JARED
This is fun and all but I'm kinda in a hurry, and I don't appreciate someone going after my candy before me.
AUSTIN
Make your move then, asshole.
JARED sprints towards EMMA but AUSTIN cuts him off, throwing his leg for a roundhouse at JARED'S HEAD, but JARED saw it telegraphed and catching AUSTIN'S LEG he lifts him and slams him over to the side, slamming his body into a pillar, AUSTIN winces in pain but as he turns to go for EMMA, NIKKI appears punching JARED three to four times in the face before kneeing him in the stomach, JARED reeling for a moment but as she went for a second knee, JARED blocked it down and rammed his skull forward into NIKKI'S JAW, knocking her off balance for a moment which allowed him a chance to strike her twice in the face before kneeing her back but AUSTIN runs up from behind and dropkicks JARED in the back, sending JARED flying as NIKKI flails downwards hard, AUSTIN getting up quickly as he bull rushes and tackles JARED down as JARED had quickly stood, EMMA watching as the device was still loading.
EMMA
You gotta be shitting me...
AUSTIN punches JARED a few times but JARED spins AUSTIN over onto his back with sheer force and headbutts AUSTIN three times, AUSTIN reeling as JARED then punches AUSTIN in the throat, AUSTIN gasping for air as JARED quickly gets up and runs over towards EMMA, EMMA raising her pistol but JARED grabs her wrist and slaps the gun from her hand before palming her in her nose, EMMA falling over in pain as JARED takes the device out and snaps it in his hands with ease, EMMA looking horrified as she goes to stand but JARED turns and spin kicks across her face, knocking her out cold as JARED hooks a line from his wrist transmitter into the system, JARED typing in a quick sequence before he pulls the guard off and leaves it dangling as he had saw NIKKI running at him, JARED preparing for her attack and blocks every one of her attacks before countering a wild punch which he uses to break NIKKI'S ARM, NIKKI screaming as JARED kicks her in the chest and knocks her backwards as JARED scans between the three who were now all down. JARED smirking as he comes and waits a few more moments before hearing a click that makes him smile, JARED typing in a few more sequences before disconnecting the wire and watches as it retracts into his transmitter, JARED pulling a device from his pocket and sticks it to the data stream main computer.
As he does, AUSTIN appears and grabs JARED from behind, but JARED drops lower and elbows back, hitting AUSTIN in the ribs twice before he turns and delivers a hay-maker that sends AUSTIN to the ground quickly.
JARED surveys about and smirks. He pulls a small detonator out and presses the button, dropping the detonator as the data stream computers and screens explode in a small but powerfully compressed explosion.
JARED
And with that ladies and gentleman, I would say that the day has been won. I will say this though, killing you guy's is actually going to be a bit of a let down, you guy's are some tough motherfuckers.
AUSTIN reaches up but JARED knocks his hand down as JARED pulls a BLADE out and spins the hilt a few times before he grabs AUSTIN by the shirt but as he does JARED spins and barely escapes a blast, JARED looking about as CHARLES had suddenly appeared, pistol in hand as JARED smirked.
JARED
Hey, I know you...or of you.
CHARLES
Likewise.
JARED looks about at the broken bodies of the UNEVENTFUL'S.
JARED
Are these your guys?
CHARLES
What's it look like?
JARED
Haha, these are some tough fuckers you got here, man. I am impressed.
CHARLES
You got what you came for...leave.
JARED
You're not going to take the shots? Try and take me out while you get the chance? I mean...this is your only chance.
CHARLES
Even if I got one...and trust me I could...you'd just get away...I know you too well...you're an ALPHA level RECLAIMER...or you were.
JARED
Aw, and here I thought this was going to be some sort of interesting dilemma. I mean, you utterly failed. I took the source code right from you before you could, and with that being the only and last data stream for this particular patch, you're pretty much shit out of luck on what was probably your main objective. As for me...yeah, can't argue with that...but now I wonder what is your endgame...?
CHARLES
You want to leave...fine...
CHARLES puts the gun away.
CHARLES
But I ain't letting you get past me.
JARED
Oh I see...you don't want the kill...you want me alive...the big bucks...the glory.
CHARLES
Whatever helps you sleep at night, ya fuckin' psycho.
JARED
Well if you look around.
JARED does so with a wry grin.
JARED
You can see this doesn't end well for you.
CHARLES
I'll take my chances.
JARED
Ha.
JARED runs forward with such speed that CHARLES barely has time to cross his arms and block the first kick, CHARLES blocking the second third, and fourth but as JARED quickly switches his foot placement and uses his leg to twist and deliver a back kick that hits CHARLES in the cheek, knocking CHARLES off balance as JARED runs and spin elbows CHARLES in the chest, CHARLES reeling as JARED laughs and spins to connect a knee to CHARLES' RIBS but CHARLES expects it and knocks the knee down before palm striking JARED in the nose, JARED reeling as CHARLES hits JARED with a right a left and a back hand before grabbing JARED and slamming him back first into a pillar, JARED shouting in pain as CHARLES holds JARED against the PILLAR for a moment and delivers some hard rights, AUSTIN turns to watch as JARED was being pummeled with rights but as CHARLES went for a seventh punch, JARED moved his head and CHARLES punches a nice piece of cinder off of the pillar before JARED reaches and grabs the back of CHARLES'S HEAD, using CHARLES'S own momentum to slam CHARLES'S face into the pillar.
CHARLES reels as JARED slams his head a few more times into the pillar before turning a staggering CHARLES towards him and deliver the finishing blow with a spinning roundhouse to CHARLES'S CHEST, which sends CHARLES crashing backwards into some debris as JARED spits some blood out as he laughs and shakes his head.
JARED
You guy's are fucking crazy. I like that. Maybe next time yeah?
JARED smirks and tosses the hood over his head as he turns and struts out of the building.
JARED
But next time...I kill all of you if you touch me again...
JARED exits the building as CHARLES is reeling in pain on the floor as AUSTIN shakes his head and lays back down as NIKKI and EMMA still hadn't moved.
INT. FAISON HOME
PHILLIP watched as DREW was sleeping in his room, some posters of dinosaurs and other kid centric faves were decorated all about as ANTHONY and SHANE stood outside in the hallway, as PHILLIP was just watching his young child sleep peacefully.
SHANE
This fucking sucks.
ANTHONY
It never is easy to understand, at times even I don't. But this is the nature of the work we do. This is the burden a REAPER must be bestowed with.
SHANE
It's still fucked up.
ANTHONY
You will get used to it.
SHANE
That's the problem.
ANTHONY looks at SHANE as PHILLIP comes out of the room, shutting the door quietly as he nods at them and heads downstairs the TWO close behind as PHILLIP goes back into his study.
PHILLIP leans on his desk as he rubs his face and seems to be searching for something to say as the TWO remain silent.
PHILLIP
DREW'S only six. And already...so much...pain. And loss. Between his mother...now...tell me how this is fair to him? To SCOTT?
ANTHONY
It isn't fair. But that's the nature and nurture of life, PHILLIP. Fairness isn't part of it.
PHILLIP
I just...
ANTHONY
Your wife was offered.
PHILLIP and SHANE
What?
ANTHONY looks between the two and nods.
ANTHONY
I had her files with yours, In case I needed to make this point. I don't like doing this, but it's something that has proved...fruitful in the past.
PHILLIP
She...had a choice...?
ANTHONY
Yes. And she said no. She didn't want to cope with her dying. She didn't want to know what or why it was going to happen. She just wanted to be left alone and let nature take its course. But there's something you don't know about saying no. Something I haven't even told my friend here. Saying no, isn't just...accepting pain in death, it isn't just standing in the line for processing, and all that hoopla. It does something to you inside. It builds something that festers and can't be controlled. It causes you...
PHILLIP
To commit suicide?
ANTHONY
Yes.
SHANE
Why didn't you tell me?
ANTHONY
It's not something you needed to know until the right time.
PHILLIP
I don't...
ANTHONY
Your wife thought she was doing the right thing by saying no, that by saying no it would allow her that final grasp of free will that you believe you live by. But in saying no, she turned her back on both sides, and therefore, the will of life left her. She didn't remember that it happened, she just went about her life, and meanwhile her soul began to rot and eat away...morphing and twisting...dying...and what that does to a living person...is take them to a very dark and sad...lonely, and tragic place. You have the chance to remember that this happened, to plan accordingly, and to spend as much time with those two kids as possible. It's not fair, and it's a shitty thing to throw on someone, telling them their time will be up. But if you don't...you're going to leave those kids the same way their mother did, and is that what you want?!
PHILLIP looks awe struck and heart broken as SHANE shakes his head and walks out of the room. ANTHONY looking at him ashamed but says nothing as he comes over towards PHILLIP who had begun to sob silently to himself.
ANTHONY
You and your sons deserve to be happy for what time you have left. They don't need to see the signs, they don't need to watch you deteriorate from the inside until there is nothing they can do...because in reality there is nothing they can do should you say no. I know I have no right to hold what happened with your wife over your head...but....I can't let your kids suffer...not anymore then they already will. PHILLIP...this is the right thing to do.
PHILLIP holds his tears back as he tries to gather himself, PHILLIP turning to ANTHONY as he nods.
ANTHONY looks relieved as he pats PHILLIP on the shoulder.
ANTHONY
You're doing the right thing...
PHILLIP
So what happens now...?
ANTHONY
We shake hands, which will mark your soul...and then I leave...and you do whatever you have to do until...you know.
PHILLIP nods as he reaches his arm out, ANTHONY nodding as he takes it and shakes, a golden light surging through ANTHONY and PHILLIP as ANTHONY breaks away.
PHILLIP
Is that it?
ANTHONY
Yes it is.
PHILLIP
I don't know what to say right now...
ANTHONY
Don't worry about it. Save those words for you kids. May death be kind...and may your life have lived well.
PHILLIP nods as he sits down, head in hand as ANTHONY watches him for a few moments before heading out the front door.
EXT. FAISON HOME
SHANE is sitting on the top step, not even looking back at ANTHONY as ANTHONY comes down and presses a single button the wrist guard.
ANTHONY
Look, I know what I pulled out there was a bit much to take in at once, but...
SHANE
Just...let's just go home.
ANTHONY
Okay...
The TWO sit in silence as the night around them was calm and still.
INT. DINER
COLBY comes through the doors and is immediately flagged by CHARLES towards a corner table, COLBY giving CINDY a cheek kiss before declining to order as he comes over and takes a seat across from CHARLES who was still healing up.
COLBY
You've looked better. And worse.
CHARLES
I got my ass kicked for sure.
COLBY
The others?
CHARLES
They'll live. NIKKI'S arm took the worst of it but they re attached it from where it was broken and its mended nicely with the pills she got, she can bend and pivot it about but it still hurts.
COLBY
I hate to say this, but that was a complete cluster fuck.
CHARLES
I wouldn't say that.
COLBY
The data stream servers were destroyed, the source code was taken and he got away, where is the good news in that?
CHARLES
I had EMMA upload a data feed into the system.
COLBY
Which in your report said was destroyed before it could pull any information out.
CHARLES
It wasn't meant to pull information out, not from the servers that is.
COLBY
What?
CHARLES
Whatever he was using to extract the source code was what we were after, once she inserted our device, I was able to get into the data stream, the "downloading" aspect was to make him think that's what we were doing, in actuality, all I was doing was waiting for him to insert his extractor into the system, the moment he did I locked onto it and siphoned a copied of the data stream for myself. So while he did get the source code and destroyed the system, I was able to download the data stream prior, thanks in no part to Mr. MORTON.
COLBY
CHARLES, you crafty bastard. Where is the DATA STREAM?
CHARLES hands COLBY a spherical like pad, COLBY taking it as CHARLES looks COLBY in the eye.
CHARLES
You wouldn't happen to know what the hell that is would you?
COLBY
It's angelic encrypted, and this was higher up then even myself or TERESA could find, whatever this is...it's not meant for very many eyes.
CHARLES
I see. Well then, good thing we have it.
COLBY
The TRIO should be able to use this to locate the source code, and we'd be able to have tabs on him at all times, maybe even put a task force together strong enough to take him down once and for all.
CHARLES
Count us out of it...least for now.
COLBY
I will. Why leave this off your report?
CHARLES
Can never be too careful with information like this, I mean, you haven't been asking around yourself about how three classified top secret data stream shelters were compromised by a former RECLAIMER whose been off the grid for eight years?
COLBY
I can't say I haven't been a bit puzzled myself.
CHARLES
He had help. If I put it in the report he would of gotten a heads up and then...well who knows what...but that still doesn't change the fact that JARED still has all three data streams, and it's only a matter of time before he finds a way to bind the information into a readable CODEX.
COLBY
Well, we'll have to play this close to chest, and figure out a way to stop him prior. You've done well, I'll be sure to get the system to triple whatever you received for your services.
CHARLES
Yeah....thanks.
COLBY stashes the data stream sphere into his pocket and briskly stands and walks out. CHARLES gritting his teeth as he pays for his drink and heads out as well.
INT. THE TAVERN
ANTHONY sits at the BAR alone as EMMA was serving some other patrons as AUSTIN was sitting beside him, wincing each time he seemed to move.
ANTHONY
What beat the shit out of you guys?
EMMA
JARED MORTON.
ANTHONY
Are you serious?!
AUSTIN
Deadly...guy was a fucking beast.
ANTHONY
Is that why CHARLES sent us on that...
AUSTIN
Yes, happy?
ANTHONY
Goddamnit.
AUSTIN
How's he doing?
ANTHONY
Honestly...I don't know.
AUSTIN looks at EMMA who looks back a bit concerned as ANTHONY finishes his drink.
INT. WAR ROOM
CHARLES enters the room as NIKKI looks over at him before going back to her SCREEN, CHARLES coming over as he pats her on the shoulder.
CHARLES
You okay?
NIKKI
I've felt a hell of a lot better.
CHARLES
Well, hopefully we didn't just get our ass kicked for no reason, you think that encryption decoded I had EMMA put into that device worked?
NIKKI
It's still analyzing but I think it's close to being done.
CHARLES
Alright well, let's see what the hell they're hiding from us...
NIKKI types in something and watches as the odd placed letters and symbols and indistinguishable text begin forming into coherent words and sentences and pictures, NIKKI looking at the information wide eyed as CHARLES shakes his head as he sheaths.
CHARLES
Son of a bitch...
NIKKI
CHARLES...He got himself a codex that's going to help him...
CHARLES
Completely shut down the System...
CHARLES and NIKKI watch as the words "PROJECT DECONSTRUCTION" FLASH ABOUT, showing a large device that was a large and powerful EMP amplifier.
NIKKI
What are we going to do?
CHARLES
Right now...not a damn thing we can do. But we will be ready.
NIKKI
We will?
NIKKI looks at CHARLES confused and a bit skeptical but CHARLES says nothing as he gives a stern look at the screen before heading off, leaving NIKKI alone to think on what she now knows.
END OF EPISODE